The Vliegenthart, an East Indiaman (“Flying Deer” in Dutch), sank in 1735 off the coast of Zeeland, Netherlands. Zeeland, a region of islands and peninsulas, saw tragedy that day when both the Vliegenthart and her sister ship, the Anna Catherina, struck a sandbar during strong winds and a spring tide. Both ships were lost with all hands.
Discovered in 1981, the wreck revealed a treasure of gold and silver coins, including the entire year’s mintage from every Dutch mint. Among them was this 1729 Gold Ducat, preserved in remarkable condition.