1783 Mexico Silver 8 Reales El Cazador

The Spanish brigantine El Cazador sank in the Gulf of Mexico in January 1784 while carrying a shipment of silver coins to stabilize the economy of the struggling Spanish colony of Louisiana. Lost for over 200 years, the shipwreck was discovered in 1993 by a fishing trawler, leading to the recovery of its valuable silver treasure. The loss of the ship and its cargo contributed to Spain's decision to cede Louisiana to France, which eventually led to the Louisiana Purchase by the United States.