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Large clump of 54+/- Mexican cob 8 reales in 11 stacks of 4-5 coins each, probably contraband from t

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Shipwreck Silver Start Price:25,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Large clump of 54+/- Mexican cob 8 reales in 11 stacks of 4-5 coins each, probably contraband from t
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This item SOLD at 2015 Oct 29 @ 15:53UTC-4 : AST/EDT
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Large clump of 54+/- Mexican cob 8 reales in 11 stacks of 4-5 coins each, probably contraband from the false bottom of a box, ex-Bob Johnson (Real Eight Co.). 5 lb, 9 oz., 9" x 3-1/2" x 3-1/2". This is one of the most impressive clumps we have ever seen from any wreck, not just the 1715 Fleet, which is probably the most popular shipwreck right now due to its 300th anniversary this summer. Unlike practically every coin clump we have seen, this is not a part of a "mint bag" from inside a standard chest; instead, it appears to be the contents of small wooden box, perhaps the false bottom of a proper chest or other container (and therefore contraband), for all the coins are neatly and deliberately stacked with shapes (typically rectangles and squares) aligned to save space, all completely encrusted (no details visible, mostly grayish white in color), but from an x-ray it is clear they are stacks of four or five 8 reales in two parallel rows, the rest of the clump being a thick, rectangular chunk of impacted debris and coquina rock with piece of iron at one end, with lots of shells (some big ones, not just bits) all over. It is fascinating to think about how and why this clump came to exist, but equally interesting is its modern history, as it was salvaged by the Real Eight Company long ago and retained by original member Bob Johnson and given to his grandson, Jason, who grew up using it as the doorstop for his bedroom. Like all clumps, which were typically torn apart to yield possibly choice coins with clear dates, this piece is rare, but it is easy to see why Bob recognized its special shape and spared it from the usual deconstruction for its coins. There will never be another piece like this one. Pedigreed to Bob Johnson, with original Real Eight certificate personally inscribed by his grandson (Jason R. Johnson), calling it "My doorstop!" on the front of the certificate and giving a more detailed modern history of the piece on the back. Recovered from: Spanish 1715 Fleet, east coast of Florida