This image is of a Spanish silver 2-Reale coin, minted in 1708. It was found in the mast step (the place where the ship’s mainmast was inserted–or “stepped”–into the keelson timber, a major centerline structural component) of a shipwreck from the American Revolution.
It is shown in two views: the obverse (or front) face, and the reverse (back) face.
As early as the Roman era, coins were traditionally placed in the mast step as a token of good luck. Unfortunately, in this particular vessel’s case, it appears the coin did not live up to its expectations…
