Description: A Treasure from the Depths of History: Large Silver Ingot from the Atocha Shipwreck (1622) This magnificent silver ingot, weighing an impressive 84 lb 5.12 oz troy, tells a story of wealth, ambition, and tragedy from the age of Spain's global empire. Cast in Potosí in the viceroyalty of Peru, this bar is not just a chunk of precious metal but a tangible relic of a bygone era, meticulously marked and full of history.Markings of Wealth and Precision Crafted in 1622, this rectangular silver bar—measuring 13¾" x 5½" x 3½"—bears numerous markings that document its journey. The markings include:Po1622, indicating it was mined and smelted in Potosí, one of the richest silver mines in history.Fineness stamp of IIUCCCLXXX (2380/2400), certifying its incredible purity of 99.17%.The manifest number IULXXIX (1079), linking this ingot to a specific cargo log.Ownership monograms “MB” and the double-cut A-diamond, signifying the financiers and shippers responsible for this piece.The silvermaster’s mark, “B,” and faint circular tax stamps that show its compliance with Spanish Crown taxation requirements.A faint assayer’s cartouche (Mexía), visible above the double-scoop “bite” taken to verify purity. The meticulous attention to detail on this ingot underscores Spain's bureaucratic efficiency in managing its New World riches during the early 17th century.The Reign of King Philip III During the reign of King Philip III of Spain (1598–1621), Spain was at the height of its imperial power, controlling vast territories in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. The Spanish Crown relied heavily on New World silver to fund its military campaigns and sustain its sprawling empire. Potosí, with its seemingly endless supply of silver, became the lifeblood of Spanish finances, producing an unprecedented volume of precious metal. Yet, Philip III's reign was also marked by challenges. The monarch delegated much of his authority to his favorite, the Duke of Lerma, whose corrupt administration drained the treasury. By the time this ingot was produced, Philip’s son, Philip IV, had ascended to the throne and inherited a strained economy and increasing global tensions.The Tragic Tale of the Atocha The Nuestra Señora de Atocha, the most famous ship of Spain's 1622 treasure fleet, was tasked with carrying this ingot and countless other riches back to Spain. Laden with silver, gold, gems, and goods from the New World, the Atocha set sail from Havana but never completed its voyage. On September 6, 1622, the fleet encountered a devastating hurricane near the Florida Keys. The Atocha, along with several other ships, was wrecked on the shallow reefs, scattering its treasures across the ocean floor. The loss was catastrophic for Spain, both financially and symbolically, as it underscored the vulnerability of its maritime dominance.A Modern-Day Discovery Centuries later, in 1985, famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team located the Atocha wreck site after a relentless 16-year search. Among the incredible treasures recovered was this silver ingot, accompanied by its original Fisher certificate (85A-S362). The Atocha’s discovery shed light on the intricacies of Spanish colonial trade and brought a legendary shipwreck back into the limelight.A Piece of History With its Class Factor 1.0 rating, this silver bar stands out for its bold, legible markings and historical significance. It embodies the wealth of the Spanish Empire, the engineering ingenuity of its colonial craftsmen, and the enduring allure of lost treasure. Owning this ingot means holding a fragment of history that has weathered centuries beneath the sea—a relic of one of the most dramatic shipwrecks in maritime history.
Price: 100000 USD
Location: La Jolla, California
End Time: 2025-02-15T00:56:16.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Unit Type: lb
