Lot 397
A 1783 PIECE OF EIGHT (EL CAZADOR) WITH CERTIFICATE.
A Charles 111 of Spain Pillar Dollar from the Mexico Mint, recovered from the ill fated El Cazador, a Spanish Brigantine which went down in 1784. Loaded with 450,000 newly minted silver coins, to be used in the payment debts of Louisiana which at that time was ruled by the Spanish. (Paper Money became worthless).
When the ship went down and disappeared without trace, the History of the United States changed from that time. Louisiana was sold or exchanged first to the chagrin of Charles 111 1788-1808, to Napoleon Bonaparte. Three years later it was sold to the United States (President Jefferson) for 3 Cents per acre..
This Certificated Piece of Eight, is numbered 42148, recovered and logged as such, 30th December 1999.
Known as The Ship that Changed the History of the World.
