Description: Get ready to uncover a piece of high-seas treasure history! This captivating artifact is a gold bar from the infamous "Golden Fleece" shipwreck, a vessel that met its fate in the northern Caribbean, a tantalizing glimpse into the tumultuous world of Charles V and Joanna of Castile. The bar, a stunning 10.91 grams of gold, is a relic from around 1550 and measures 38x15x3mm. It has been identified through an XRF scan as 17K gold, a hallmark of its rich, refined composition. *According to Heritage Auctions, this piece is attributed to the Golden Fleece shipwreck based on information from their consignor. Heritage was confident enough in this attribution to market the artifact as such, given that they are the largest auction house in the world for numismatics.* A Glittering Fragment of History This captivating chunk of gold, weighing a mere 10.91 grams, is no ordinary trinket. Measuring 38x15x3mm, it's a slice of a larger "finger" bar, bearing the enigmatic stamp "XVII" – a testament to its 17-karat purity. This golden morsel isn't just precious metal; it's a window into a world where coins had yet to reign supreme, and raw ingots were the currency of choice. Larger ingots were cut into smaller pieces for use in trade, and this bar bears a nearly complete XVII stamp indicating its purity. The craftsmanship and practical nature of this bar reveal the innovative ways people adapted to the challenges of their time. The Golden Fleece: A Sunken Treasure Trove The Golden Fleece shipwreck, nestled in the azure waters of the northern Caribbean, has yielded a cornucopia of numismatic wonders. The source of this remarkable gold bar, is renowned for its royal stamping and the treasure it held. This vessel was laden with gold and silver ingots that bore the same "Golden Fleece" mark, hinting at a significant connection to royal and colonial economies. Salvaged pieces of these ingots, along with a rare collection of coins, provide a unique glimpse into the colonial era's trade practices and minting techniques. Bridging the Gap: From Tumbaga to Treasure Fleet What makes these ingots truly extraordinary is their historical significance. They stand as the only known examples crafted in the colonies between the "tumbaga" era of the 1520s and the 1554 Padre Island Fleet. This golden finger bar is not just treasure; it's a missing link in the evolution of New World currency. This shipwreck is particularly noteworthy because the Golden Fleece ingots are believed to be the only known examples produced in the colonies between the "tumbaga" era of the 1520s and the coins from the 1554 Padre Island Fleet. The find also includes Mexican Carlos-Juana silver coins and some extraordinarily rare pieces from Santo Domingo, including three of the very first 8 Reales ever minted in the New World, the Rincón "Early Series" 8 Reales from 1538. These treasures not only highlight the wealth and artistry of the time but also the evolution of coinage and economic practices in the Spanish colonies. Charles and Joanna: Rulers of an Empire The era of Charles V and Joanna of Castile was one of unprecedented expansion and wealth. As the Spanish Empire stretched across the globe, its coffers swelled with New World riches. Yet, this period was also marked by religious turmoil, with the Protestant Reformation challenging the Catholic Church's authority. A Numismatic Revolution The Golden Fleece wreck has yielded a trove of Mexican Carlos-Juana silver pieces, each a testament to the burgeoning colonial mints. But the true stars of this underwater treasury are the three examples of the very first 8 Reales ever struck in the New World – the Rincón "Early Series" 8 Reales of 1538. These coins represent the birth of the famous "Piece of Eight," a currency that would shape global trade for centuries to come. Economic Upheaval and Innovation The influx of New World silver and gold triggered a price revolution in Europe, with inflation soaring and traditional economic structures buckling under the pressure. This golden finger bar, with its crude yet effective stamp, embodies the improvisational spirit of a world grappling with unprecedented wealth and change. In conclusion, this small fragment of gold tells a grand tale of empire, innovation, and the birth of a new economic order. It's not just a piece of metal; it's a golden key unlocking the mysteries of a pivotal moment in human history.
Price: 8950 USD
Location: La Jolla, California
End Time: 2024-10-11T22:17:48.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
