BOLIVIA. Large Silver Ingot Recovered from the "Nuestra Senora de

BOLIVIA. Large Silver Ingot Recovered from the "Nuestra Senora de Atocha" (Sunk September 6, 1622).
Dimensions: 15.25" x 4.75" x 3.45". Weight: 60.75 lbs (972 oz). Stamped with fineness [IIU]CCCLXXX (2380/2400 = 0.9916 fineness). ASW: 963.84 oz.Likely produced in Potosi, Bolivia, this massive silver ingot preserves impressive details on its flat side. The markings on its surfaces provide clues as to its journey. The fineness in Roman numerals is clearly readable, as is the manifest number "XXVI". Three Spanish royal stamps are visible, attesting that the ingot's owner paid the necessary taxes. While the assayer's name to the right of the fineness mark is unfortunately too faint to make out, the "V" initial of the silvermaster Jacob de Vreder is sharply displayed. The bold "ELVR" monogram identifies the owner as Elvira Diaz. The deep diagonal cut on the left end indicates the portion of the ingot which was to be excised to pay the defense tax upon arrival in Spain. A typical cylindrical "assayer's bite" is seen at one end, where the assayer took a sample to test in order to confirm the stated fineness. The underside shows the recovery number A212-85, placed by Treasure Salvors after the ingot's recovery. In addition, there are traces of yet more markings which remain unidentified. An impressive piece from the most famous Shipwreck discovery of all. The surfaces exhibit varying degrees of porosity, which have not significantly affected the details and instead serve as proof of this ingot's three and a half centuries spent under the sea. A historic and highly appealing piece of treasure. Due to the size and nature of this lot, additional shipping charges apply. Please call 800-458-4646 for more information.

Ex: Joel Silver Collection. Ex: Sotheby's (New York 10/2003), Lot # 122.Ex: Nuestra Senora de Atocha shipwreck, sunk on 6 September 1622 off the coast of what is now the Florida Keys.

Estimate: $30000 - $50000