temp. Charles & Johanna "Golden Fleece Shipwreck" silver cut Bar of 296.40gm ND (c. 1550), 137x30x11mm. Marked with fineness IIU C X C (2190/2400, 91.25% fine) and a crown stamp. A very interesting study piece, since we have only managed to locate silver-splash round ingots showing poorly cast, uneven borders. The present offering was neatly cast and, on top of the unique shape, presents a "crown" stamp which we have also not been able to locate (the ingots previously offered at auction have a crowned-C, much larger stamp). Minimally saltwater-corroded and retaining hints of coral encrustation (even on the stamps), it's definitely an important piece for Golden Fleece scholars. 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. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice

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