Posted 9 years ago
Militarist
(295 items)
This is a Spanish 5 pesetas coin dated 1894, Madrid mint KM 700, 37.4mm in diameter, .900 fine silver and weighs 25 grams and has an ornamented edge. The coin is in extra fine condition with dark toning over an underlying luster. (My definition of an extra fine coin is one that has only traces of wear on the highest points requiring close examination to see the wear.) This coin looks better in real life than the scan does and catalogs in the Krause SCWC for $150.
What makes this coin interesting is that it was in a brown paper envelope 5 11/16 by 3 2/16 inches, imprinted with: “September 1st, 1898. To whom it may concern: This is to certify that the enclosed coin is part of those bought by us from the U.S. Government and which were taken from the Spanish Ship “INFANTA MARIA TERESA” destroyed near Santiago de Cuba, on July 3d, 1898. BOLOGNESI, HARTFIELD & CO. Bankers and Brokers, 29 Wall St. New York.” The envelope was folded into thirds and is completely torn through one of the folds.
The Spanish Cruiser “Infanta Maria Teresa“ was destroyed in battle by the United States Navy near Santiago, Cuba. The ship’s Captain ran it a-ground to save lives as it was burning and sinking. After the war the ship was re-floated and sank while being towed to the United States during a storm. It was common practice at that time for ships of all nations to carry quantities of silver and gold coins and this is one of those coins.
Such a direct link to a historical event is hard to beat. Unfortunately the link is a frail paper envelope.
