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200-Year-Old Spanish Silver Coins from the Atlantic Sands Shipwreck: Found by Accident through the NASA Space Program
In 1961, astronaut Gus Grissom returned from the second NASA Mercury Redstone Mission in the Liberty Bell 7 capsule. While Grissom’s mission was successful by safely landing in the Atlantic Ocean, the capsule door mysteriously flew open as the capsule bobbed on the ocean waves. The capsule quickly filled with water and was too heavy to be saved so the decision was made to let it sink beneath the waves and down into the abyss.
Flash forward to 1999 when a crew set out on an expedition to find the lost capsule and stumbled upon a wooden shipwreck that was sitting right near the capsule on the ocean floor. The shipwreck of this wooden merchant ship was found entirely by accident! Found at a depth of 3 miles, it is one of the deepest shipwrecks ever discovered. Dubbed the Atlantic Sands Shipwreck, the ill-fated ship contained a treasure chest filled with about 1,300 pieces of Spanish silver coins.
Multipiece Sets and Individuals Available
Now, these authentic Atlantic Sands Shipwreck coins, which lay at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean for over 175 years, can sit in a place of pride in your collection. A variety of multipiece sets and individual coins certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as genuine and authentic in every detail are available.
Found By Accident Thanks to NASA
The wooden merchant ship was found not far from where the Liberty Bell 7 capsule, that had sunk in 1961, in the heart of the Bermuda Triangle. If the expedition to recover the capsule had never taken place, this shipwreck and its precious contents might remain undiscovered on the ocean’s floor.


What We Know About the Ship
While not much is known about the ship dubbed the Atlantic Sands, it is believed to have been a merchant ship trading between the Caribbean Islands, America, Bermuda, and perhaps Europe. Its hull contained a large number of bottles, many of which were the kinds used for rum, gin, or beer. Also discovered was a telescope, tableware, a chest, and, of course, of most interest, a large pile of silver coins spilling from a wooden box.
Over 200-Year-Old Spanish Silver
The 1,300 coins recovered from the wreck are over 200 years old and date from 1736 to 1821. It’s possible some of these coins circulated in the thirteen colonies. Types of coins available include Spanish ½ Reales, 1 Reales, 2 Reales, and 8 Reales. The 8 Reales are particularly notable as they were widely considered “America’s First Silver Dollar” due to their prominent role in the American colonies.
Genuine Shipwreck Effect and a Special Pedigree
The experts at NGC have given their stamp of approval to each coin, which were all determined to display the “Shipwreck Effect.”
While pedigrees are seldom given to just any coin hoard, the 682 coins we purchased from this shipwreck more than warranted one and, therefore, were awarded the Atlantic Sands Shipwreck pedigree.
Each coin has been paired with a custom Atlantic Sands Shipwreck-themed certification label that proudly proclaims its provenance.


Over 175 Years in Salt Water
Over the 175-plus years, they sat in salty seawater, these coins were affected by iron oxide deposits, which led to corrosion. While some coins feature solid detail on both the obverse and reverse, others feature few design details and more obvious signs of corrosion.
For coins that retained little detail, NGC was able to determine the date range, a remarkable testament to NGC’s expertise.
Wide Variety of Price Points
While shipwreck coins often carry lofty premiums and price tags, thanks to some savvy negotiation, we have a wide variety of price points available. Every collector can add part of one of the deepest shipwrecks ever found to their collections based on their budget.


Multipiece Set Treasures
Choose between several multipiece sets ranging from four to two coins of various date combinations. Each arrives with a wooden presentation case accompanied by a detailed storybook about the Atlantic Sands Shipwreck. Select options will also receive a magnifier so you can examine the date and designs closely.
- Dates Range from 1736 to 1821
- NGC-Certified Shipwreck Effect
- Special Atlantic Sands Shipwreck label


Individual Treasures
Select coins are also available individually, allowing you to hand-pick the exact coins and dates you want to purchase. Each arrives with a storybook about this historic shipwreck.
- Dates Range from 1776 to 1804
- NGC-Certified Shipwreck Effect
- Special Atlantic Sands Shipwreck label
Just imagine the fateful events and conditions these coins had to endure to survive and be discovered nearly two centuries after they sank. Call 1-800-510-6468 and use offer code SU2024 to secure individual coins or sets of these Spanish silver coins from the fascinating Atlantic Sands Shipwreck.
Take advantage of this opportunity to own NGC-certified genuine relics from one of the deepest shipwrecks ever found. Act now!

