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 and weight that Spain had minted. On January 11, 1784, El Cazador set sail for New Orleans and was never heard from again.
The coin is comprised of 90% Silver, and weighs about 27 grams. It has been certified as genuine by NGC.
