This artifact is an encrusted clump of 5 coins which were recovered from the wreck of the El Cazador by salvor Craig Boyd. These coins are in the original condition and position as they were when salvaged from nearly 300 feet in depth. The El Cazador shipwreck!! The wreck that changed the face of America!! This five coin clump of eight reales was salvaged a couple of years ago from the wreck of the El Cazador which sank off of the coast of Louisiana in 1784. This wreck truly changed the history of the United States. During this period Spain actually owned what was known later as the Louisiana Territory. This comprised of Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and other portions of the west. There were a lot of shenanigans going on in New Orleans and the territory. For this reason the Spanish decided to send 480,000 pesos of silver to New Orleans to bolster the sagging economy. When this ship sank the Spanish could no longer maintain there empire in the territory and were forced to sell it to Napolean and France. After Napolean took over he had the same problems which resulted in him having to sell the Louisiana Territory to Thomas Jefferson and the United States in 1803. This wreck changed the course of American history. If it had made it to New Orleans and the Spanish were able to stabilize the economy of the territory, Spain might control that area even now. El Cazador coins are mostly of the bust type with the bust of Carlos III of Spain on the obverse and the Pillars of Hercules with the Spanish Shield on the reverse. Most of the coins were minted at the Mexico City Mint and were dated 1783. Coin clumps are rare. Most have been cleaned on the order of the state because there were some truly rare coins on this wreck. This clump has a great history and is accompanied by the certificate of authenticity from the salvor.
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