Engraved Coins, Love Tokens, and Coin Jewelry

Engraved War Souvenir Fashioned out of an 1871-Dated Spanish 5 Pesetas.

The reverse of the host coin is been smoothed and engraved TAKEN FROM THE VIZCAYA / JULY 3rd 98 / BY C.N. PHILIPS. This is an engraved war prize from the Spanish-American war that was taken off the Spanish cruiser Vizcaya by the Captain of the capturing vessel the USS TEXAS. John W. Philips was a Commodore of the United States Navy. The Vizcaya was one of several Spanish ships involved in the battle of Santiago de Cuba, all of which were sunk, destroyed or captured by the United States ships Brooklyn, Texas, Iowa, Oregon and Indiana. The Vizcaya was run aground after a forward torpedo exploded and blew a large part of her bow off. After being run aground, her forward magazine exploded from fires on deck, effectively destroying the ship. It is unknown if this coin was found on one of the captured sailors or later found on the wreck. An interesting piece of American war memorabilia!

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection. Purchased from Gene Bruder.

Estimate: $ 250