What coins are hidden in the Spanish galleon San José?
The San José carried colonial coinage from the Lima Mint when it sank off Colombia in 1708. New research identifies 1707 gold 8-escudos cobs, while three recovered macuquinas are now being conserved. Here is what the coins reveal, why Peru matters, and why a future auction remains highly unlikely.
2026-09-11
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Latin America and Spanish coins: a guide for beginners
Spanish imperial coins connect mints in Spain with the viceroyalties of Mexico, Peru, New Granada and the Río de la Plata. This guide explains how to recognise reales, escudos, cobs and milled pieces, read mint marks and dates, judge condition, check provenance and buy with history in mind.
