(1700-1762) France Silver Ecu Shipwreck La Dromadaire NGC Genuine

1762 La Dromadaire Shipwreck French Silver Ecu

Over two centuries ago, a doomed ship carrying a large chest of silver coins, sank in a storm and was lost for over 200 years until discovered in 1996 with a stash of silver coins that was recently curated and certified NGC Genuine Shipwreck. This French Silver Ecu is an authentic artifact from a historic 18th-century shipwreck, struck at Monnaie de Paris, the French Mint in Nantes France, sometime between 1700 and 1762, featuring King Louis and elements of the French Coat of Arms. This shipwreck survivor was recovered in 1996, after sitting undisturbed on the ocean floor for over two centuries. Certified NGC Genuine Shipwreck condition, this 1762 Silver Ecu is a tangible tie to a place in time, over 250 years ago.

Design of the French Silver Ecu

The obverse features a portrait of the King of France, either Louis XIV or Louis XV. The reverse design is composed of elements from the French Coat of Arms: a cluster of fleur-de-lis symbols at the center surrounded by a wreath, with an ornate crown above. Inscriptions include date of issue and Mint mark.

Treasure Ship Story

The Le Dromadaire was a 520-ton ship built in 1758, belonging to the French East India Company. On February 6, 1762, she departed the Port of Lorient with 154 crew, 20 brass battle guns, 1000 cannonballs, and a large cargo of gold and silver worth at least $6.8 million. Due to a political split between Spain and Britain, Le Dromadaire charted an alternative route in order to avoid possible interceptions. Thirteen days later, on February 19, 1762, the Le Dromadaire ran into bad weather. The crew lost track of navigation close to land in the fierce storm, and the ship ran aground on a dangerous reef breaking into two pieces, and sinking off the Cape Verde Islands, west of Africa. Out of the 154 man crew, 77 perished in the storm, and 77 were miraculously saved by a passing ship. Valent attempts were made to recover the large silver treasure chest, but it was too deep and thought to be lost forever… But nothing is forever!

Shipwreck Recovery

More than two centuries later on January 22, 1996, the wreck of the Le Dromadaire was discovered with new technology during a survey of San Vicente Island. The 20 brass cannons were recovered, along with Chinese porcelain, a semi-precious stone from a ring, a French gold coin with a picture of King Louis XV minted in 1760, and 3,377 silver coins struck between 1700 and 1762. Today, these recovered French Silver Ecu coins are authentic artifacts from this 18th-century shipwreck. NGC certified as a Genuine Shipwreck treasure coin, this Silver Ecu has waited over 257 years to find its way into your collection!

French Silver Ecu Design

This 1762 Silver Ecu coin of France was hand-struck between 1700-1762 at “Monnaie de Paris,” the French Mint in Nantes France. The obverse features a portrait of the King of France, either Louis XIV or Louis XV. The reverse design is composed of elements from the French Coat of Arms; a cluster of fleur-de-lis symbols at the center surrounded by a wreath, with an ornate crown above. Inscriptions include date of issue and Mint mark.

Certified Shipwreck

This Silver Ecu was submitted to Numismatic Guaranty Corporation's (NGC) specialized Shipwreck Certification division for authentication. NGC has confirmed that the coin is a Genuine artifact recovered from the La Dromadaire shipwreck discovery in 1996. The coin is presented in a sonically sealed in NGC holder, accompanied by a certification label declaring its unique shipwreck pedigree.

Specifications

• Metal: 91.7% Fine Silver
• Weight: 0.8986 oz.
• Grade: NGC Genuine Shipwreck condition
• Note: DAV-1330 type
• Obverse: Depicts an armored King Louis XV facing left.
• Reverse: 3 fleur-de-lis crowned, mint mark at the bottom.
• Mint: Monnaie de Paris – French Mint, struck in Nantes, France.

This authenticated La Dromadaire shipwreck 1700-1762 Silver Ecu belongs in your collection! Purchase the unique salvaged 18th century French relic from MCM today!