ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

I went to Mel Fischer's shop at the Gaylord Hotel Complex outside Orlando, and looked at some silver coins-- pieces of 8-- salvaged from the Spanish vessel "Atocha." Anybody got market price info, current, on Spanish silver, or, even better, silver coins salvaged from this vessel?

I need info-help on this fast because the shop is closing in a couple weeks or so.

Thanks!

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

http://www.melfisher.com/treasuresal...idCategory=111

http://www.belleaircoins.com/coins&t...ha%20coins.htm

http://www.atocha1622.com/Authentic%...0Grade%201.htm

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

I bought my wife one down in Key West from Fisher's place there and had it mounted in necklace here at home.

WAY overpriced hunk of silver, of course......but there is something to be said for holding a nearly 400 year old piece of honest-to-God money in your hand compared to a pile of FRNs. THAT is the only reason I bought it......as I don't go in for numismatic values on coins.

Same thing for a small Greek coin from about 2000 BC.......to hold in your hand a silver coin that has been money for 4000 years gives you a perspective on the joke currently being played out.

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

Hey man, I dig 'em alright, and I just want to know the right price. No matter how much I like something I'm resolved not to overpay.

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

If you're buying with the thought you would sell later at a profit, I can't advise you.....I never play that game of musical chairs.

If you buying to hold a piece of history, then simply buy one at whatever price you can live with, and don't worry about the cost. 400 years of history is hard to put a price on.

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

I'm a Floridian so I know Mel's game pretty well. All his stuff is way overpriced, both for what it is and for what you'd ever get back if you tried to sell it. I knew a treasure hunter once who knew Mel personally but didn't work on his crew. He said something to the effect that if Mel Fischer's mother was sitting on a gold coin, he'd shoot her to get the coin. He did not have a very good reputation. I noticed you linked to Bellaire Coins, I've been to their shop before. They are also crooks extraordinaire. The mostly service Northerners with more money than brains, as does Silver Queen. These guys wanted $1 over spot for generics, and they want to give your their pick, not yours. They were selling a lot of fake Chinese silver, but they might not have known it was fake as they did not give any impression of being particularly knowledgeable. I wouldn't trust their prices as they'd like pull a bait and switch on you of some kind, I notice that they have a disclaimer saying that info is old right on the linked page.

I still like the old Spanish coins though. Anything less than a Grade 2 on the Fischer scale is too mangled for my personal tastes, going by what I've seen offered for sale.

Interesting side note, last time I was in Silver Queen/Belleaire Coin I overheard some rich old ladies talking about hoarding precious metals. They seemed to be vaguely aware that they needed to do something to preserve their wealth against a failing dollar.

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

If you NEED one from the shipwreck then price doesn't matter but if your looking for old Spanish silver they can be had for their true market value for condition with no "shipwreck" tag by different avenues. Coins shows should have some also reputable dealers that should have a contact.

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

Rarely are showy glitz and glamour type Gallery stores like this one a place to find a good deal. You could probably save 30% to 60% if you could get one from someone who bought it from the Fisher Assn. Kind of like buying a used car.

Years ago they had a traveling show here of Atocha artifacts - I got to hold a gold bar from the Atocha - probably 10 ounces of gold and I think they wanted around $300,000. That was roughly 15 years ago. I wish I had a picture of it.

Chris

Re: ATOCHA silver coin-- help evaluate, fast!
 

interesting replies. esp from Rev as usual. thanks.

I am aborting this idea now. Too many better alternatives for me to succumb to the fascination.