For several years now I have been collecting a silver coin series produced for the British Virgin Islands. In 1985 The Franklin Mint in Wawa, Pennsylvania produced a silver coin series for the island nation called the Sunken Ship Treasures of the Caribbean. Over the years I have collected most of them, but some time back I picked up this one that I had missing from my collection. This one is called the Brass Religious Medallion coin, celebrating an uncommon treasure that is recovered from time to time from Spanish shipwrecks. I have previously shared many of the others in some of my past posts, and they are a beautiful series. Have a look at this beautiful coin:
About the coin:
Interestingly, the coins were all produced in sterling silver which is 92.5% silver. It's a shame they weren't pure silver, but they produced almost all items in sterling. The Franklin Mint produced many high quality coins and silver bars throughout the 1970's and 1980's Sadly they no longer produce any precious metals items anymore. But this series was really well done and I think I'm only missing one or two more.
Brass Religious Medallions
icollector.com
Brass religious medallions are found from time to time at the site of lost Spanish ships such as the 1733 fleet disaster. These might have belonged to a sailor or possibly even being transported to Spain. They were highly prized and seen as a form of protection that the saint could provide you. These are highly prized by collectors as they are shipwreck treasure and they don't come inexpensive. The one above has St. Benedict on the medallion. I know very little about Catholic saints, so anyone with more knowledge feel free to chime in! Although badly corroded it is in remarkable condition. This was found in part of the 1733 fleet treasure recoveries.
As with any collectible one must have caution because there are fakes out there that are being passed off as the real deal. You'll definitely going to want to see the pedigree of where it came from and who has owned it. When it can be traced back to the recovery company it would give me much more confidence that what I was buying is real and not a fake.
These are gorgeous items and really are treasures recovered from sunken ships. I have tried my luck metal detecting along Florida's treasure coast where from time to time you can find silver or gold coins from the lost 1733 fleet that sailed into a hurricane and were smashed against the reefs. I never had any luck finding old Spanish treasure, I did find lots of garbage though!
If you want to try your luck there the best time to do so is after a big storm or hurricane. Anything you find above the high tided line can be claimed as your own. Anything below that or in the water belongs to the recovery company who has subleased that area. Although had I found something below that line I might have been tempted to pick it up anyway! lol It's been awhile since I did a treasure hunting post, I'll have to put another one together in the near future.
And this time of year I always wish I was in the British Virgin Islands, especially Virgin Gorda. They have some amazing pools known as the baths, it just a gorgeous place. If you ever have the chance I highly recommend checking it out.
paraisoisland.com
For all of you out there under the cold snow it's a perfect getaway this time of year! No hurricanes just warm and sunny beaches!
I hope you enjoyed my post today, I really love this coin series and I can't wait to finish up my collection. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below. And thank you so much for all of your support, it really is greatly appreciated! Have a great day everyone!
References:
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces32485.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_1733_Spanish_Plate_Fleet_Shipwrecks
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_treasure_fleet
Disclaimer:
All pictures are mine unless otherwise indicated
I am not a financial planner and this isn't financial advice. Please always do your own research before investing your money. You worked hard enough to earn it!
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