What is a coin from the Atocha worth?

An 8 reales silver Atocha coin was roughly equivalent to one month’s pay for a sailor in the 1600’s. Denominations of the Atocha coins were based on the “Onza” or avoirdupois ounce equaling 28 grams. Each denomination was to equal one-half of the next higher denomination.

How can you tell if a Atocha coin is real?

Typically, they are clearly struck on both the obverse and reverse sides with the mintmark, assayer mark and denomination often all visible. Atocha coins are supplied with the original photo type Certificate of Authenticity.

How do you clean Atocha coins?

The easiest way is to dip the coin in water, dip your fingers in water then baking soda and rub the surface of the coin gently with your fingers. This will clean the coin without damaging it if you are not rough. Any commercial silver polish will remove the tarnish, but I wouldn’t use it if it is to harsh.

What are Atocha coins made of?

silver
All coins are made from an 80lb bar of 100% silver recovered by Mel Fisher in 1986 from the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha off the coast of Key West. Accompanying each coin is a certificate authenticating the Silver used in the coin’s production.

Where is the Atocha treasure?

After the discovery, items from the cache of treasure went on permanent display at the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Florida. Now, some 40 items from the Atocha and Santa Margarita yield will go on the block at the auction house Guernsey’s in New York City early next month—August 5, to be exact.

How much is a real piece of eight worth?

The value of a pieces of eight coin was based on the weight of the silver. At the time the coins were made, one ounce of silver was worth one dollar. The coin could actually be cut into eight pieces, or bits. Each bit was thus worth 1/8 of a dollar.

Will baking soda clean coins?

If you want to go ahead and clean corrosion off of your old coins, baking soda likely is the safest route to follow. Wet the affected coin with clean tap or distilled water, roll in baking soda, then gently scrub with a soft toothbrush.

Should I polish my coins?

Tips. Never try to remove the natural oxidation from coins, such as the tarnish on silver coins. Removing it will damage the coin’s surface and greatly reduce its value. In other words, you should never use dips, polish, or chemical solutions to clean your coins.

Who owns the Atocha treasure?

King Philip IV
Nuestra Señora de Atocha