Shipwreck Artifacts Appraisal

Couch Coin Company 'Certification of Historic Artifact' with Spanish Colonial Cob Coin

This item is a historical collectible consisting of a Spanish Colonial silver 'Piece of Eight' cob coin accompanied by a formal 'Certification of Historic Artifact' issued by the Couch Coin Company, dated July 16, 1992. The certificate is printed on aged-looking parchment paper with decorative woodcut-style illustrations of Spanish galleons and formal typography. The document lists the artifact number as 7291 and identifies the coin as a silver 'Piece of Eight' from the reign of Philip V, with a specific weight of 21.0 grams and a dated year of 1738. The coin itself is visible in a small plastic flip pouch attached to the document; it exhibits the characteristic irregular, 'cob' shape typical of treasure-era coinage produced at Spanish colonial mints like Mexico City or Potosi. The silver shows significant toning and evidence of sea-salvage or heavy circulation, with visible cross and shield motifs partially struck on the uneven surface. The certificate includes signatures from several individuals representing the company, adding a layer of provenance for collectors. The entire ensemble is housed in a clear protective plastic sleeve. While the Couch Coin Company was a known private seller of salvaged shipwreck treasure, the authenticity of the specific salvage site (e.g., the 1715 Fleet or 1733 Fleet) is not explicitly named on the face of this certificate, though the style of documentation is common for such treasure finds sold in the late 20th century.