Mexico: temp. Charles & Johanna "Golden Fleece Shipwreck" gold "Finger" Bar of 853.32gm ND (c. 1550), ...

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A Hefty Treasure Piece

temp. Charles & Johanna "Golden Fleece Shipwreck" gold "Finger" Bar of 853.32gm ND (c. 1550), 200x24x15mm. 853.32gm. Marked with fineness XX (20K). XRF scan: 20K. A relic of the early colonial era, this substantial survivor dazzles with its matte yet luminous golden tones. Nearly intact, the ingot showcases four clear stamps and a cut end-a typical feature of such bars, as gold had not yet been minted into traditional coins. Instead, portions were chiseled off larger bars to be used as currency. The presence of minor coral encrustation reflects over 400 years of submersion beneath the Caribbean Sea. From the Golden Fleece shipwreck, only a handful of complete gold bars were recovered, with most of the bullion found as fragmented pieces, making this exceptional piece an especially sought-after treasure.

According to consignor, salvaged from the Golden Fleece shipwreck.

The Golden Fleece shipwreck is a vessel in the northern Caribbean nicknamed for a royal stamping, known as Golden Fleece, that was found on several of the gold 'finger' ingots and coins. A few dozen of these gold and silver ingots were salvaged with varying purities, reminiscent of the famous "tumbaga" bars. Significantly, it is believed that the Golden Fleece ingots are the only known examples made in the colonies between the "tumbaga" era of the 1520s and the ones found on the 1554 Padre Island Fleet. Almost all the recovered coins are Mexican Carlos-Juana silver pieces (all assayers prior to S) apart from some extremely rare Santo Domingo pieces. Notably, three examples of the very first 8 Reales ever struck in the New World were found - the Rincón "Early Series" 8 Reales of 1538.

Metal: Gold
Diameter: 200mm
AGW: 22.8623oz
Melt Value: $60,790.86
Gold Spot: $2,659/oz (01-13-2025)

More information about Mexican Coins. See also: Mexico World Coin Nationality.