Is This Potosi 8 Reales an Atocha Mel Fisher Coin?

I recently acquired this Potosi 8 Reales in a 14k bezel and have a couple questions. Is it even possible to get an exact date of this coin with the wear thats shown? Also, do you think this could be a Mel Fisher Atocha coin? I can't tell if the wear/erosion on the coin matches a coin thats been underwater for hundreds of years but what makes me think it could be one is that this is the exact same style bezel as other Mel Fisher Atocha 8 reale coins I've seen and more interestingly the AR hallmark that is inside the bezel. From what I've seen is many of the original big Atocha bars also bear a similar AR symbol and a couple other Atocha pieces I've owned all made a point to have that AR symbol incorporated some how. Maybe this is just wishful thinking but would love to hear some other opinions. I'd also be happy to provide any more information if needed

 

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Cool historical piece either way.
Why do you suppose gold was chosen as a bezel?

 

I'm pretty sure that your coin is a predated coin, before 1617. It could be an Atocha or Santa Margarita coin, but without documentation (certificate) it is impossible to make a definitive determination.

The coins salvaged by Mel Fisher from the Atocha and Santa Margarita (both sinking in the same hurricane in 1622) are mostly moderately to heavily corroded and harshly cleaned to the point of being glossy. Over my years of collecting cobs I've generally avoided Fisher coins. They are not attractive because of the cleaning and significant corrosion, plus they usually command really high prices, mainly for their certificates. Nicer cobs from Potosi for the same period can be purchased that are not Fisher coins, and the prices are usually much lower, except for rare date/assayer/die variety combinations. Because of the monumental coinage production of Potosi there are a lot of cobs available on an ongoing basis.

 

There's a thriving business in silver cob jewelry using mostly salvaged coins. It seems that 14k bezels are standard for these coins due to their age and historical design, plus a gold bezel makes the piece more appealing to non-collectors who are seeking higher-end jewelry.

I've seldom seen silver used as a bezel, probably because it does not offset the silver cob. That's just a guess on my part.

 

Thanks for the input! Yeah that's kinda what I was thinking it would be very difficult since I don't have paperwork. I am just hoping that AR hallmark and the connection to the Atocha bars can help possibly make that connection

 

I'm not familiar with the AR hallmark, but it could be the initials of the bezel's manufacturer. The 14k hallmark is clearly visible inside the loop along with the AR hallmark.

As I mentioned there has been, for many years, a jewelry market, online and in shops in Florida, marketing pendants, earrings and rings featuring silver and gold cob coins, mostly 8 reales and 8 escudos, but also smaller denominations. I've heard that the jewelry at the Florida shops, catering to the tourist trade, sell this jewelry at very high prices, since the silver coins are usually very worn/corroded and not terribly appealing, but that's my perspective as a collector. I guess it all comes down to the eye of the beholder.

 

When I went to FUN the was a shipwreck coin table. For the life of me I cannot remember if it were tied to Fisher or not. But the offerings were mostly old Cobs in a setting near identical to what yours has.