Potosi, Bolivia 2 Reales Silver Cob, c. 1650

A sea-worn survivor of the Spanish colonial silver trade. This silver 2 Reales cob was struck at the Potosí mint in present-day Bolivia in the mid-17th century, when silver from the Andes flowed through one of the largest trade networks in the world. The coin shows clear saltwater effect — softened surfaces, ocean-worn devices, and the texture left behind by long exposure to a marine environment. By its appearance, it is clear this piece was lost at sea and later recovered from saltwater conditions. No named vessel, manifest, or formal wreck attribution accompanies this coin, so we do not present it as a confirmed shipwreck coin from any specific wreck. It is best described as a saltwater-effect Spanish colonial cob with a likely maritime loss history. Your purchase includes a TreasureCheck.ai digital provenance record and FedEx insured shipping with signature required. A Certificate of Authenticity is not included with this listing. Carry Their Story.

From the research desk

A mid-century Potosí two reales from the years around the mint's great debasement scandal and the 1652 pillar-and-wave redesign that followed it. A mid-size cob, easy to hold and read, priced as the honest colonial silver it is. We claim no wreck here because nothing in the record supports one.