The featured item on our online shop today is this fascinating 1726 A - France, Louis XV - Half Ecu - Paris Mint Auguste Shipwreck Silver Coin accompanied by a 2008 auction certificate. This coin is an average example with some salt water corrosion but close to full weight with decent detail remaining.
The "Auguste" sank in the a gale off the Aspy Bay, Cape Breton in 1761. The full-rigged ship was a former French privateer ship that had been captured by the British and was hired to transport French exiles and prisoners of war from Montréal, Québec to France. Sadly, only 7 of the 121 souls aboard made it to the shore alive. Many notable Canadians perished during the sinking, including Charles-René Dejordy de Villebon, Louis-Joseph Gaultier de La Vérendrye, and Louis de la Corne, Chevalier de la Corne.
Since many of the passengers carried their life savings with them, the ship contained large amounts of valuables, such as gold and silver which continues to attract the interest of many treasure hunters and documentary filmmakers.
