Though often overshadowed by other famous shipwrecks, the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción is one of the most significant Spanish galleon discoveries of modern times. In 1641, this treasure-laden ship departed from Cuba only to be overtaken by a powerful hurricane, scattering its cargo across the Silver Shoals. This article delves into the rich history of the ship, with a focus on Nuestra Señora de la Concepción shipwreck coins, including:

• Intriguing historical facts about the Concepcion ship
• The remarkable Concepcion treasure uncovered among the wreckage
• The best places to buy shipwreck coins online

For a deep dive into the Concepcion shipwreck, watch this fascinating video:

The Lost Treasure of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción: A Deep Dive

Facts about the Concepcion ship

Often compared to the Atocha shipwreck, the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción has an equally captivating story. This section will answer the question “What happened to Concepcion ship?”. And, as we delve deeper into facts about this vessel, we will also explain how its remarkable treasure, much like the shipwreck coins Atocha produced, provides valuable cultural and economic insights into its time.

Size and appearance of the Spanish ship Concepcion

The Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion ship was a substantial 600-ton nao, i.e. a three-masted ocean-going sailing ship, that underwent significant modifications to serve as a galleon. Originally built in Havana in 1620 as a merchant vessel, it was later refitted in Spain with military and structural enhancements. These modifications transformed the merchant vessel into a formidable armed galleon capable of protecting valuable cargo.

While exact dimensions aren’t provided in historical records, its 600-ton size and galleon configuration would have made it an imposing vessel, with the high fore and aft castles characteristic of Spanish naval architecture of the time.

La Concepcion ship route

As part of the Spanish Treasure Fleet system, the Concepcion ship operated on the vital trade route between Spain and its New World territories. The ship would typically sail from Spain to Veracruz, Mexico, transporting European goods and passengers, then return with precious metals and other valuable cargo.

The vessel’s final journey began in Cadiz on April 24, 1641, as Capitana (flagship) of the New Spain Fleet. After reaching Veracruz, the ship remained there for a year before being ordered to return to Spain, this time as Almiranta (vice-flagship). The return route took it to Havana, where it made a brief stop despite needing repairs. From there, the intended route was to join the fleet’s standard path across the Atlantic back to Spain, but deteriorating conditions and poor repairs would prevent the ship from completing this final voyage.

Concepcion shipwreck 1641

After departing Havana in poor condition, the Concepción met with fierce weather that proved catastrophic. Massive waves reached the height of the stern light, forcing water through the ship’s portholes. The vessel’s integrity quickly deteriorated as the stern’s caulking began failing. The main and fore masts snapped in the tempest, and the ship lost two anchors and three boats. A desperate attempt to continue using jury-rigged sails failed when the ship struck a reef about 60 miles north of Hispaniola.

In the ensuing chaos, one longboat carrying 32 high-ranking passengers and officers, including Vice-Admiral Villavicencio, managed to escape. Others attempted survival on eight makeshift rafts constructed from ship timbers. Of the 532 people aboard, only 194 survived. Twenty-five men remained with the treasure on the reef, but only one of these ultimately survived the wreck of the Concepcion.

Concepcion shipwreck 1715

The 1641 Concepción wreck should not be confused with the 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet disaster. This confusion sometimes arises because both events involved Spanish treasure ships and resulted in significant losses. The 1715 fleet was a separate incident where an entire Spanish treasure fleet was lost in a hurricane off Florida’s east coast, while the 1641 Concepción was a single ship that went down off Hispaniola (modern-day Dominican Republic). Both wrecks have attracted treasure-hunting expeditions, leading to conflated histories, but research on “Concepcion shipwreck 1715” will yield no relevant results.

Concepcion shipwreck location

The Concepción’s remains lie off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, near Puerto Plata, where it struck a reef on the Silver Bank. The wreck remained lost until William Phipps’ successful salvage operation 45 years after sinking, when his team recovered over 25 tons of silver.

The site was later sought by various explorers including Korganoff in 1952, Ed Link in 1958, and Jacques Cousteau in 1968. The definitive modern rediscovery came in 1978 by Burt Webber and Jack Haskins of Seaquest International Inc., aided by Peter Earle’s discovery of the Henry sloop’s logbook from Phipps’ expedition.

The Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion shipwreck location consists of two distinct areas separated by 150 meters, identified through aerial photography of the north reef of the Silver Bank and underwater magnetometer surveys.

The most famous Concepcion coins

Among the most fascinating artifacts recovered from the Concepción wreck were thousands of silver coins, offering a remarkable snapshot of Spanish colonial coinage from the early 17th century. The recovered numismatic treasure mostly included reales dating from 1600 to 1641, minted across the Spanish Empire’s key colonial facilities in Mexico, Cartagena, Santa Fé, and Potosí.

Notably, over three-quarters of the coins were minted in the three years immediately preceding the shipwreck (1639 -1641). The coins listed below provide invaluable insights into the Spanish Empire’s monetary system and colonial trade networks during this pivotal period.

1. Felipe IV 8 Reales from the Concepcion wreck

Minted at the Mexico Mint, which was established in 1536 as the first mint in the Americas, this 8 reales coin is a significant artifact of Spanish colonial currency. Often referred to as a “pieces of eight”, these coins were one of the most widely circulated forms of currency in the Americas and international commerce, known for their consistent weight and fineness. Today, they are valued highly as rare Mexican coins.

Under King Felipe IV’s reign, the coins’ design featured the Spanish coat of arms on the obverse and the Pillars of Hercules with the motto “PLUS ULTRA” on the reverse. The unique “M” with a small cross above it, known as the Macuquin, distinguished these coins from others minted elsewhere.

Felipe IV 8 Reales

• Metal: Silver

Year: 1634-1641

2. Philip IV 4 Reales from the Concepción ship

Part of the treasure of the Concepcion, this Philip IV 4 reales coin highlights the minting quality of the Mexico Mint during the 17th century. While only half as valuable as the piece of eight, this smaller denomination played a crucial role in everyday transactions in New Spain. Considered stunning coins both then and now, these pieces typically displayed clearer strikes than their South American counterparts due to the Mexico City Mint’s superior equipment and more experienced craftsmen.

Philip IV 4 Reales

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1622-1641

Photo by Numista

3. Cartagena Mint 4 Reales Coin from the wreck of the Concepcion

This 4 reales 1641 Concepcion shipwreck coin is particularly rare, as the minting facility it was produced by only began operations in 1621. The Cartagena Mint in Colombia was established to convert South American silver into coinage closer to the source. The Concepción coins include some of the earliest known examples from this mint, making them historically significant. Under Philip IV, these coins were struck during a period when Cartagena served as a crucial Caribbean port for the Spanish treasure fleet system.

Philip IV 4 Reales

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1627 – 1630

4. Philip III 2 Reales from the Concepcion shipwreck

The Potosí 2 reales found on the Concepcion treasure ship were minted at the world’s most productive silver mint, sitting high in the Andes Mountains. During the 1630s, these coins were produced under strict quality controls implemented after the great scandal of 1617-1619, when it was discovered that coins had been debased. Assayer Juan Ximénez de Tapia oversaw production during this period, marking his coins with a distinctive “T” assayer mark. These smaller denomination coins were crucial for regional trade within the Viceroyalty of Peru and represent the reformed minting practices of the post-scandal era.

Philip III 2 Reales

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1617-1621

Photo by Numista

5. Bolivian 8 Reales from the Nuestra señora de la Concepción shipwreck

This 8 reales coin recovered from the ship Concepcion is a testament to the Potosí Mint’s role in producing high-quality silver coins during the 17th century. These coins were minted using silver from the legendary Cerro Rico mine, known as the “mountain that eats men” due to its harsh working conditions. During Philip IV’s reign, these large silver coins showed improved quality following the mint’s reform, featuring better-centered strikes and more consistent weight than earlier issues.

Philip IV 8 Reales (Bolivia Mint)

• Metal: Silver
• Year: 1622

Photo by NGC

To see more exceptional specimens, beyond Concepcion coins, click here.

Where to buy rare coins

The story of the Concepción is a captivating chapter in the history of Spanish colonial maritime trade and exploration. The ship’s 1641 sinking off Hispaniola, while devastating, has left an incredible cultural legacy preserved in the thousands of coins and other artifacts recovered from the wreck site over the centuries. These numismatic treasures provide unparalleled insight into the monetary systems, trade networks, and economic realities that powered Spain’s global empire during the reigns of Philip III and Philip IV. 

Those interested in acquiring rare coins, including specimens from shipwrecks, will find that Blanchard is an excellent choice. Known for its expertise in numismatics and outstanding customer service, Blanchard offers a curated selection of authentic coins of the highest quality. Blanchard’s knowledgeable team is available at all times to answer your questions about Concepcion coin value and more!

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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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There’s a reason that collectors—even beginning numismatists—go after the satisfying goal of sourcing and owning an iconic Mercury Dime set—it’s fairly easy to complete. The cost can range from about $2,500 up to nearly $850,000, depending on your budget, your goals and the grades you choose.

Q. Why should you consider building a set of Mercury dimes?

A. It’s exciting and can be profitable too. Many collections of rare coin sets have sold as a whole for more than the total value of the individual coins.

Q. How do you build a set?

A. Coin investors typically follow one of two sets: “type” and “series.” A type set is comprised of all of those coins sharing a single specific characteristic such as a design, designer or denomination. A series include one coin from each date and mint of a particular type.

Other coin collecting strategies include collecting by mint mark, by individual year, or first and last year of the issue of a coin.

Q. What is the Mercury Dime?

A. The Winged Liberty Head Dime, popularly known as the “Mercury” Dime was struck from 1916 until 1945. Renowned sculptor Adolph A. Weinman designed this highly sought after coin. Even during its years of production, collectors clamored to own these coins for their collections.

As a coin group, Mercury dimes aren’t rare. A whopping 2.5 billion were struck from 1916 through 1945. Mercury dimes were last struck in 1945, when a new dime was created to feature Franklin D. Roosevelt, following his passing.

During the depths of the Great Depression, no dimes were struck from 1932-1933. Today, rare coin collectors classify Mercury Dimes into “early dates” (1916-1931) and “late dates” (1934-1945) categories. Nearly all late dates are common and can be easily acquired.

The Mercury dime is struck with 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper and the coin contains just over .072 troy ounces of silver.

Q. Why do we call it the Mercury dime?

A. Early on, the public was a bit confused about the obverse design. Lady Liberty is wearing a winged helmet which led to comparisons between her and  the Roman god, Mercury. Because of this, the moniker “Mercury Dime” stuck.

This cap was intended to represent the “Liberty of Thought.”  Weinman’s monogram,  “AW”,  sits on the right of the Liberty’s neck. The reverse features an intriguing design: a fasces depicting unity and strength, and an olive branch symbolizing peace.

The metal content is 90% silver and 10% copper. The mints include Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco.

Q. What are some of the interesting and hard to find Mercury dimes?

A. Within the Mercury Dime series, there are only a few absolute rarities and there is only one that is hard to find.

The 1916-D is the scarcest major key date and rarity within the Mercury Dime series. Only 264,000 were struck. You may be wondering why the 1916-D Mercury Dimes had such a low mintage of only 264,000. Good question! Production of this coin was halted after the U.S. Treasury department entered an urgent order late in the year for 4 million quarter dollars.

Advanced collectors strive to acquire a 1916-D Mercury dimes for their collections in part to its low mintage and also because of their unique status as first ‘year-of-issue’ type coins. Some type collectors only acquire first-year coins.

Other Mercury dime key dates include 1921 and 1921-D and 1942-1 and 1942 -1D. The latter key dates show “overdates” with the number “2” struck over the number “1.”

Another interesting “error” coins involved a 1943 Mercury dime. The 1943 Lincoln penny struck over a struck 1943 Mercury dime is a remarkable and rare double denomination error coin and is one collectors avidly seek. How did this happen? This error coin was created when a dime was mistakenly fed into a printing press coining cents. This highly sought after error coin combines the three-pronged popularity of the Lincoln cent, the Mercury dime and its 1943 date, caused by the desirability of the famous 1943 copper cents.

If you are interested in building a Mercury dime set or are looking for that one hard to find coin to complete your set—call Blanchard today—we’re here to help.

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