8-Reales from Mexico lost in the 'Flying Hart' (Vliegenthart) shipwreck of 1735!

The East Indiaman ship Vliegenthart ('Flying Hart' in Dutch) was just leaving the port of Rammekens for the East Indies, when due to a combination of weather and captain's error it slammed into a sand bank alongside her sister ship, the Anna Catharina.

Shortly after firing its cannons in distress, the 'Flying Hart' sank more than 10 fathoms deep into the water -- with all hands on both ships being lost. While they attempted to salvage the wrecks at the time, it was not possible due to the depth and weather conditions -- but they did create a secret map showing where it was.

This map would not be rediscovered until 1977 -- which sent treasure hunters wild trying to find the three chests of sunken treasure. Eventually, former London attorney Rex Cowan discovered the wreck in 1981 -- and just two years later in 1983, they found their first coins, one of three chests of Mexican silver and Dutch gold coins. The second chest was unfortunately smashed to bits on the seabed, with its contents partially salvaged. The final third chest would be found intact, but not until 1992.

Among the many coins recovered were full-size 8-Reale coins struck in Mexico that had dates clearly from the 1730s and in incredible condition after spending hundreds of years on the sea floor!

We have a handful of these coins certified by NGC as being the real deal.

Each shipwreck coin will arrive certified by NGC as being an authentic piece of sunken treasure.