La Capitana - 8 Reales - Date: XXX(2) - Assayer "E" Erqueta (1652-1679)

Denomination:  8 Reales Reign: Carlos II Assayer: "E" Erqueta (1652-1679) Date: XX(2) paritial Weight: 24.54  grams Description:  Transitional 8 Reales Cob. Obverse: Stong strike on Shield side with some flat spots. Clearly visible Pillar and Wave, Assayer Mark "E" (twice).  Mint mark "P" and "PLUS ULTRA". Reverse: Strong strike and evidence of shaving after the coin was minted. Clear Greek cross with lions and castles evident in each quadrant. Partial date of XXX(2) visible. History: La Capitana sank in October of 1654 off the coast of Chanduy, Ecuador. The 1,200 ton Spanish galleon was the largest built in Colonial American during the 17th century, and the flagship of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the South Sea Armada. This ship was commissioned to carry Spanish coins including the Potosi Mint scandal coins, the subsequent countermark coins and many other dated from 1649-1654. The galleon overburdened with unregistered goods which many say contributed to the sinking, and backed b