Ducaton Brussels 1684 & 1/2 Ducaton Antwerp 1684

Presented here is a rare set of two 1684 shipwreck coins.

One is a 1684 full ducaton from the Spanish Netherlands, minted in the city of Brussels. It features the youthful, long-haired bust of Charles II—a design used only between 1682 and 1684, making coins from this short period particularly rare. The coin is struck slightly off-center, and its time at the bottom of the sea has left its mark in the form of saltwater damage, most visible on the reverse. Despite this, the piece retains a lovely, deep silver tone that adds to its visual appeal. The obverse is accented by patches of brown encrustation, serving as a tangible reminder of the coin’s fascinating maritime past.

As second coin we have what is arguably the rarest coin ever recovered from the Merestein shipwreck: a ½ ducaton from the Spanish Netherlands, minted in the city of Antwerp. It features a beautifully rendered portrait of the youthful Charles II, a design used only between 1682 and 1684—adding significantly to its rarity. Very few of these half ducatons are known to exist today, making this an extraordinary find. The coin was struck with excellent centering and displays a striking dark blue patina on both sides. On the reverse, small brown spots of iron corrosion serve as a tangible reminder of the coin’s maritime past. Overall, this piece ranks among the rarest and highest-quality coins ever recovered from the Dutch East Indiaman Merestein.