The Unique São José Treasure

The São José carried an impressive cargo, the legendary silver treasure of Philip III, King of Portugal, that had been handed over to Francisco da Gama on his way to India. The shipment included nine chests filled with thousands of silver reales coins produced in both the Old and New World mints.

Based on their remarkable story linking the New World and the Portuguese maritime trade routes, the São José coins are composed of a unique assortment of Old and New World mints. Rated as 1, never before available.” (The Practical Book of Cobs by Daniel Sedwick), of the approximately 24,000 coins recovered, fewer than 7,200 are collectibles in excellent condition, provenance-certified and graded by NGC.

Some of the most unusual and valuable coins in the trove include:

Old World Mints -

          Granada Mint, M assayer, circa 1597-1598

Segovia Mint, IM assayer (only IM assayer in collection), circa 1590-1597

Sevilla Mint, Full date: 1622

Toledo Mint, 1610 partial date, C assayer

New World Mints -

Mexico Mint, F & D double assayers, circa 1589 Philip II

Mexico Mint, D over F Assayer, circa 1556-1621, Philip II - III

Potosi Mint, Early B assayer, rare squares in border, circa 1574-1586

Potosi Mint, T assayer, reversed upper shield, reversed lions & castles, circa 1618-1621