El Cazador Shipwreck - 2 Reales - Dated 1783

"The Shipwreck that changed the World" Denomination: 2 Reales Date: 1783 Reign: Carolus III Mint: Mexico Assayer: F.F. Weight: 6.1 grams Grade: Mint  Mount: 14K gold with .25 CT diamond accent Description: Reverse: Crowned shield of Spain in between Pillars of Hercules. Obverse: Bears a traditional bust of the King. Mount: 14K gold with .25 CT diamond accents on the prongs and bale. 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, 1783.  There, she was loaded with silver Spanish coins, mostly 8 Reales, the largest coin by size