This pile of five-peseta coins was fused together by the fire aboard the Spanish ship Infanta Maria Teresa, flagship of Admiral Pascual Cervera.
General History
Infanta Maria Teresa led the sortie out of Santiago Bay on July 3, 1898. As the flagship of Admiral Pascual Cervera, it drew the bulk of the American fire. The Teresa was seriously damaged and on fire. An attempt was made to ram Commodore Winfield Schley's flagship, USS Brooklyn, but when that failed, Admiral Cervera ran theTeresa ashore, allowing his crew to be saved. Despite being ravaged by fire and magazine explosions, the United States Navy believed the Teresa was salvageable. It was refloated and taken to Guantanamo Bay for preliminary repairs. As it was towed to Norfolk, Virginia, for rebuilding, it was caught in a tropical storm. The tow line was cut, and the Teresa was lost at sea.
Large yellow stripe with anchor and coat of arms. Red stripes on either side of yellow.
Specific History
Spanish admiral’s flag captured by United States gunboat Petrel from the cruiser Isla de Luzon during the Battle of Manila Bay.
General History
The Battle of Manila Bay was one of two major American naval victories in the Spanish-American War. On May 1, 1898, only days after war had been declared between Spain and the United States, the Asiatic Squadron of the United States Navy under Commodore George Dewey engaged the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay, Philippines. It was a complete and final victory, ending any threat from the Spanish naval forces involved. All major Spanish ships were destroyed or captured, without any significant damage to American forces.
