Major shipwreck categories
Dutch VOC and WIC
Ships of the Dutch East India Company and West India Company carried large batches of silver money and sometimes gold. Famous wrecks include 't Vliegend Hert (1735), Hollandia (1743), Akerendam (1725), Rooswijk (1740) and De Liefde (1711).
Common coins
• Silver ducatons
• Silver riders
• Golden ducats
• Spanish reales as a commodity
Spanish colonial
Fleets of silver and gold from the New World sailed to Europe via the Caribbean. Examples include Nuestra Señora de Atocha, the 1715 Fleet, and Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas.
Common coins
• Silver 8 reales
• Golden escudos
• Silver and gold bars
Antiquity and Roman
Sometimes Roman coins are also found in a maritime context. The Antikythera wreck is famous for its mechanism and luxury cargo. Roman finds mostly consist of silver and bronze.
Famous wrecks and their findings
't Vliegend Hert (1735)
Boxes with golden ducats and Spanish reales in Zeeland waters. Later, silver riders were also recovered.
Hollandia (1743)
Wrecked near the Isles of Scilly. Tens of thousands of silver coins have been published in literature and auction catalogues.
Akerendam (1725)
Known from the Runde treasure. Includes Utrecht ducats 1724 and a large amount of silver money.
Rooswijk (1740)
Wrecked at Goodwin Sands. The cargo consisted of silver bars and coins. The location is protected and extensively documented.
De Liefde (1711)
Wrecked at Out Skerries. Around 1,600 silver riders have been recovered. Copies with a note of origin are still coming on the market.
Bredenhof (1753)
Perished with Silva Shoal. The cargo consisted of silver bars, copper money and possibly gold ducats.
1715 Fleet, Florida
Multiple wrecks along the Treasure Coast. Gold escudos and silver reales regularly end up in collections.
What to look for with wreck coins
Origin and documentation
Look for publications, salvage reports, and older auction listings. A clear paper line strengthens trust.
Preservation
Saltwater causes crystallization and corrosion. A stable and controlled storage environment is important.
Markers and stamps
Silver and gold bars often carry hallmarks or marks. These help link to a specific load or route.
Legal status
Some of the wrecks are protected. Trade ideally takes place with respect for legislation and cultural heritage.
How Schulman B.V. can help
• Valuation of wreck-related coins and bars
• Assistance with buying or selling, including auction strategy
• Provenance research with catalogues, archives and literature
• Presentation and certification for sustainable documentation
For advice, you are welcome to join our team in the Museum Quarter in Amsterdam.
