During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, Spain became the premier supplier of gold and silver coins for the world. This was accomplished through the discovery of untold riches, which were effectively mined in the Americas. Although Spain’s mighty Armada strove diligently to deliver this wealth to the king, both pirates and bad weather became such serious obstacles that many galleons were lost at sea. Today technology enables us to explore the ocean floor for this spectacular treasure.

Silver Coinage of this historical period has fascinated experts as well as novices. These pieces were struck from dies and cut to weight according to the Spanish monetary system. They were called “macuquinas” in Spanish, but are known to us as “cobs.” Cob coinage with their unusual shapes are beautiful and interesting to study and are constantly being sought by jewelers and numismatists alike.

The coins in buried treasure are all coins that were land finds. Often land finds have much more detail than the coins found in shipwrecks. This is because they didn't have the ocean pounding them down. The coins are found on land or come from a private collection.