1700–1733 Mexico 8-Real Philip V Salvaged From Vliegenthart NGC Genuine

Shipwreck Coinage From The Age Of Pirates

Like most vessels that were part of the Dutch East India Company’s impressive fleet of merchant ships, the Vliegenthart was designed for long and dangerous journeys that would take it to the other side of the world and back. Heavily armed with 42 guns, the “Flying Heart” was a formidable East Indiaman specifically designed to repel pirate attacks and their attempts to seize her valuable treasure. What the Vliegenthart was NOT designed to do was survive human error, a fact that spelled doom on her second voyage.

Pilot Error Results In Maritime Disaster

In 1735, the Vliegenthart left from Rammekens for Batavia, accompanied by a smaller ship, the Anna Catharina, carrying a cargo of wood, building materials, iron, gunpowder, and wine, as well as several chests with gold and silver coins that would be used to trade for silk, spices, and precious gems in the East Indies. Unfortunately, the combination of pilot error, gale-force winds, and a strong spring tide blew her onto a rocky sand bar while leaving Dutch waters and she sank with no survivors.

Secret Map Pinpoints Shipwreck Location

The Dutch East India Company immediately began salvage operation following the disaster, but due to limited visibility, hazardous waters, and shifting sands, the sum total of the recovery efforts was only a few guns, some bottles of wine, and four silver coins. Further salvage attempts were abandoned, and the smashed ship lay on the bottom of the sea for almost 250 years until 1977 when researchers discovered a secret map made by the Dutch East India Company that pinpointed the wreck’s location. Battling near disasters in the treacherous seas, divers spent more than a decade carefully bringing the Vliegenthart’s treasure of gold and silver coins to the surface.

Genuine Coin Recovered From The Vliegenthart

Here you can secure a genuine silver 8 Reale coin recovered from the Vliegenthart that has been certified, authenticated, and encapsulated by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as having been on the ship when it sank nearly 300 years ago. The coins were struck in Mexico between 1700 and 1733 during the reign of King Philip V of Spain. These coins have experienced damage due to the saltwater and can be a little difficult to discern. Not only are they fascinating pieces of numismatic history, they are also pedigreed with the shipwreck certification which ties into maritime history. These coins will make a wonderful addition to any collection of historical coins! Secure yours now!