El Cazador Shipwreck - 1/2 Reales - Dated 1782 - Grade Mint
"The Shipwreck that changed the World" Denomination: 1/2 Reales Date: 1782 Reign: Carlos III Mint: Mexico Assayer: F.F. Weight: 1.3 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 arriv