El Cazador Shipwreck - 2 Reales - Dated 1775
" The Shipwreck that changed the world" Denomination: 2 Reales Date: 1775 Reign: Carolus III Mint: Mexico Assayer: F.M. Weight: 5.3 gm Grade: Very Fine Description: Reverse: Crowned shield of Spain in between Pillars of Hercules (Gibraltar). Obverse: Bears a traditional bust of the King. 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 arrival of Mexico-minted Spanish coins to help boost the economy. Charles III of Spain ordered Captain Gabriel de Campos y Pineda to sail the Spanish brig of war, El Cazador (The Hunter), to Veracruz, New Spain (present day Mexico), on October 20, 178