Watch List notes:

Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1714J, NGC MS 60, ex-1715 Fleet (designated on special label), ex-Real Eight, ex-National Geographic, ex-John Pullin (stated on label). S-M30; KM-57.2; CT-108. 26.83 grams. Shipwreck coins are not like other collectible coins, for in addition to their salvage aspect (which in the case of gold is actually a plus, since gold does not corrode and centuries under the sea actually protect gold coins from the inevitable effects of even judicious handling), shipwreck coins cannot have pedigrees any further back than their time of salvage, which is why this coin is so important: From the moment it was found, it was singled out by Real Eight as a showpiece to be featured in their marketing pamphlets and (best of all) became one of several "trophies" splashed across a two-page spread in the premier article about the 1715-Fleet salvage in National Geographic. It is easy to see why this coin was chosen: Due to an off-center strike, the date and crown and oMJ are unusually bold and full, with the shield nearly in the same category, while the reverse is perfectly centered to show a 100% cross-and-tressure. Slightly grainy surfaces harbor toning and light sediment, giving the coin a reddish color overall. In short, like "cabinet-toned" coins with fourscore-long chains of ownership, this piece is immediately recognizable as a pedigree piece to be treasured for generations to come.
From the 1715 Fleet, and plated on page 26 of the 1965 issue of National Geographic magazine (a copy of which accompanies this lot), pedigreed to the Real Eight Co., with photo-pamphlet from their Museum of Sunken Treasure (this coin plated thereon), and plated next to page 145 in Kip Wagner's Pieces of Eight (1966), also pedigreed to our Auction #8, with original lot-tag #2. Auction lot-tag personally signed by John Pullin. NGC #5705321-001

Estimate: $20000-40000