El Cazador Shipwreck - 1/2 Reales - Dated 1779 - Grade Mint

  "The Shipwreck that changed the World" Denomination: 1/2 Reales                                                                                                Date: 1779 Reign: Carlos III                                                                                                             Mint: Mexico Assayer:  F.F.  Weight: 1.0 gm Grade: Mint Mount:  Sterling Silver with 14k prongs and bale Description: Spanish Cob from the wreck of the El Cazador.  Obverse: Legend (Carolus III – DEI GRATIA). Translation: “By the grace of god”. Bust of Carolus III facing left. Reverse: Shield between two Pillars (Pillars of Hercules). Legend: (HISPAN ET IND REX). Translation: “By the Grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies”. History: Sometimes called "The Shipwreck That Changed the World," the story of the ill-fated El Cazador really speaks volumes about early American History. In the 1770's, the Spanish controlled Louisiana Territory's economy was failing, and was heavily reliant on the ar