5 Historic Shipwreck Coins from the Maravillas Treasure

The Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas sank in 1656, taking with it a magnificent trove of Spanish colonial wealth. Over centuries, the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas shipwreck treasure has unveiled spectacular artifacts. These finds offer a vivid glimpse into the opulence of Spain’s Golden Age. Here, we will focus on the coins found among the wreck, highlighting:

• The historical significance of the pieces recovered from the Maravillas wreck
• The remarkable preservation state of many Maravillas coins
• Where collectors can acquire Maravillas treasure coins and more

Watch this story of the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas come alive in this fascinating video:

Facts about the Maravillas treasure ship

During Spain’s colonial era, countless ships were lost to perilous seas, many loaded with immense riches bound for Spain from the Americas. Among these shipwrecks, the Maravillas stands out. These key facts help illustrate why this particular vessel continues to captivate our imagination.

Size and appearance of the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas ship

The Maravillas ship was a two-deck galleon, built to impressive specifications in keeping with the grand naval architecture of 17th-century Spain. Measuring over 650 tons, the ship was designed to carry valuable cargo, as well as a sizable crew, armed with defenses against pirates and other threats common to the high seas.

The ship’s design followed the classic Spanish galleon configuration, featuring multiple decks organized to balance cargo with the heavy cannons that protected its bounty. It featured a distinctive high stern castle that rose dramatically above the main deck and three tall masts which dominated its profile. The mainmast, the tallest of the three, likely reached a height of over 100 feet above the waterline. Along the ship’s sides, gun ports lined the hull, housing bronze and iron cannons for protection.

As a royal galleon, Maravillas bore ornate carvings, intricate detailing, and gold embellishments, especially near the stern and the figurehead, a characteristic mark of Spain’s proud fleet during its Golden Age. The ship’s name, which translates to “Our Lady of Wonders” was likely displayed prominently on the stern.

Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas ship route

The Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas sailed as part of Spain’s famed treasure fleet, which followed a well-established and highly strategic route from the New World back to Spain. This fleet would typically depart from ports in Central or South America, such as Cartagena (Colombia) or Portobelo (Panama), loaded with precious metals and goods gathered from various Spanish colonies. These cargoes included silver, gold, and other valuables bound for Spain, vital to support the country’s wealth and power during its colonial period.

The galleons often traveled up to Havana, Cuba, a critical stop where ships would reassemble to form a convoy before making the long and dangerous journey back to Spain across the Atlantic. This route was designed to minimize the risk of pirate attacks and to navigate the complex currents and weather patterns of the Caribbean and Atlantic, though it remained perilous due to the presence of reefs, storms, and the threat of enemy ships.

On the Maravillas’ final voyage in 1656, it followed this route but met tragedy shortly after departing Havana. Near the Bahamas, a navigational error led to a collision with another ship in the convoy, causing extensive damage to the Maravillas. To make matters worse, the galleon drifted into a coral reef, further compromising its hull.

Despite desperate efforts to save the vessel, the Maravillas quickly sank, scattering its precious cargo across the seafloor and marking one of the most significant losses in Spanish maritime history.

Maravilla shipwreck location

The Maravilla shipwreck location is near Little Bahama Bank, a vast bank of coral and sand off Grand Bahama Island’s northern edge. The primary wreck site sits approximately 50 kilometers from the island, but the ship’s remains are not concentrated in a single location. Over centuries, storms and ocean currents spread the ship’s precious cargo across the ocean floor, scattering artifacts and treasure over miles.

This widespread dispersal pattern is similar to that of other famous Spanish colonial shipwrecks, such as the Nuestra Señora de Atocha coins discovery site in the Florida Keys, where treasures were found scattered across a vast underwater expanse. This widespread dispersal has made the wreck both challenging to locate and complex to explore.

Since it was first discovered in the early 1970s, the Maravillas has become one of the Bahamas’ most famous historical shipwreck sites. However, the wreck’s complex location has significant implications for salvage rights and archaeological oversight. Modern expeditions must navigate not only the physical challenges of the site but also strict regulatory requirements.

Maravillas shipwreck coins for sale

The Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas has yielded a fascinating assortment of artifacts. Among the discoveries are colonial silver reales and gold escudos, many in remarkable condition due to their preservation in the sandy, reef-protected seabed of the Little Bahama Bank.

Like the El Cazador wreck, whose silver coins helped document Spain’s monetary influence in colonial Louisiana, the Maravillas’ numismatic treasures offer crucial insights into colonial Spanish America’s economic systems. Here are five significant coins that showcase the diverse numismatic treasures recovered from this legendary shipwreck.

1. Philip IV 4 Reales from the Maravillas wreck

A silver 4 reales minted in 1655 during the reign of King Philip IV in what was then New Granada (modern-day Colombia), this cob-type coin represents the vast silver wealth that flowed through the Spanish colonial empire. Cob coins like this were hand-struck on irregular planchets, giving each piece its own unique character while maintaining the standard weight and silver content required by the Spanish Crown. Their survival after centuries underwater in the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas shipwreck adds to their intrigue, capturing the fascination of treasure enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Philip IV 4 Reales

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1655

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Heritage Auctions

2. Bolivian 8 Reales from the Maravillas shipwreck

Produced in Potosí, Bolivia, this 8 reales coin from the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas wreck is significant for its historical value and distinct craftsmanship. Hand-struck in 1650, this piece represents the height of Spanish colonial silver production, with Potosí being the most important mint in the Spanish Empire.

The 8 reales was the largest silver denomination of its time, equivalent to today’s silver dollar. Collectors prize these 8 reales for their unique shape, which combined with their proven wreck provenance, makes them compelling artifacts of Spain’s colonial empire and its vast silver trade network.

Philip IV 8 Reales (Bolivia)

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1650

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Heritage Auctions

3. Mexican 8 Reales from shipwreck Maravillas

This Mexican 8 reales coin from the Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas ship is another prized artifact of Spanish colonial history. This large silver coin, often referred to as a “piece of eight” was the primary currency of the Spanish Empire and circulated widely across Europe, Asia, and the Americas due to its consistent weight and purity.

Minted in Mexico City, one of Spain’s most significant colonial mints, renowned for processing precious metals from Mexico’s rich silver mines, these coins bear the iconic “MO” mintmark. Each coin was hand-struck, leading to subtle variations that enhance their uniqueness.

Philip IV 8 Reales (Mexico)

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1621-1656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Heritage Auctions

4. A counterstamped coin from the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas ship

The 7 1/2 reales counterstamped coin from the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas treasure is a unique piece that highlights an unusual moment in numismatic history. Originally an 8 reales piece, this coin was officially reduced to 7 1/2 reales value through counterstamping, a common practice in the Spanish Empire to adjust currency values. The counterstamp, which often bore symbols or marks from the Spanish Crown, was applied to revalidate or alter the coin’s denomination in response to changing economic needs or as a quality assurance measure.

The Maravillas 7 1/2 reales is particularly rare, as coins with unusual denominations and counterstamps are less common, and tells a fascinating story of colonial Spanish monetary policy, speaking to its adaptability.

Philip IV Counterstamped 7-1/2 Reales

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1651-1652

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Heritage Auctions

5. 2 Escudos from the Maravillas treasure ship

This 2 Escudos coin recovered from the Maravillas shipwreck treasure found in the Bahamas represents one of the highest denominations in colonial circulation. Known as a “doubloon” and distinguished by its “R” mint mark, indicating its Colombian origin, the 2 Escudos coin was among the most prestigious coins of the Spanish colonial era.

It was primarily used for large transactions, international trade, and prestigious payments within the vast Spanish Empire. The purchasing power was significant: in the 17th century, a 2 Escudos coin could buy a fine horse or support a family for several months.

Philip IV 2 Escudos

• Metal: Gold
• Year: 1627-1629

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Heritage Auctions

To browse more rare coins, beyond the Maravillas shipwreck treasure, click here.

Where to buy rare coins

The Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas represents far more than just another Spanish shipwreck discovery. Its diverse cargo of colonial coinage provides crucial documentation of Spain’s complex monetary system and trade routes. The exceptional preservation of many Maravillas coins, protected by the Bahamas’ sandy banks, offers collectors specimens that surpass typical shipwreck yields in both condition and historical significance.

If these treasures inspire your interest in rare coins and historical artifacts, consider buying from Blanchard. As a trusted leader in numismatics, Blanchard offers unparalleled expertise and a curated selection of coins that capture the stories of the past. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your journey, Blanchard’s knowledgeable team is ready to help you find exceptional pieces that enrich your collection. Contact Blanchard today for Maravillas shipwreck coins for sale and more.

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