Atocha 1622 Shipwreck Silver Bar Slice Perfect Grade 1.0 and DATED!!!
ATOCHA 1622 SILVER BAR SLICE approx. 10 LBS. INGOT “FACTOR PERFECT Grade 1.0 of 1.0 scale), PERFECT GRAE! w/ (5) FIVE Strong Royal Stamps! Photo COA by MEL FISHER TREASURE SALVORS w/ Seal!!! ATOCHA SILVER BAR INGOT is (approx. 14” x 5-1/4"), HUGE BAR! PERFECT GRADE Class Factor 1.0; Carat 2380, TSI #85A-S895 (Discovered in Motherload in 1985 Atocha); listed on Manifest 3011 (Register / Page C494). Manifest comments: (Shipper/owner) J. DELGADO a/C A. BRAVO. See the COA, which reflects this Atocha Bar originally weighed in at 93 lbs 5.28oz, which was then cut or shaved down to just the upper layer (which remains at approx. 1/2” thick), retaining ALL the original and Historical Markings (Stamps, serial #’s, Owner’s and Shippers).32
Remember in 1985 when Mel Fisher located the Mother Load of the Nuestra Señora De Atocha, it was the Silver BARS that confirmed the Ship by comparing the Serial #’s to the Manifest in the ARCHIVES of the INDIES in Seville SPAIN! This particular piece has the HIGHEST Purity (2380 or 2400 kt.) as marked right on the bar (MMCCCLXXX) center - bottom. Very high Class factor (Grade) .90. The markings are very nice and clear as is the Assayer’s scoop What’s really nice about this BAR is that it clearly displays the 2 strong ROYAL tax Stamps, reflects the King’s 20% had been paid. What’s particularly nice about this piece is that it has the FULL SIZE (14” x 5”) without weighing over 85lbs, which is difficult to handle, carry or lift (increasing the desirability of this Rarely seen weight). We are ONLY Aware of 5 or 6 “BAR SLICES” in existence. This beautiful ATOCHA SHIPWRECK BAR is such a beautiful piece of History and we are honored to offer it on the Open Market!!
~ ATOCHA 1622 SHIPWRECK HISTORY ~
“Our Lady of Atocha,” sank in 1622 off the Florida Keys, Havana bound for Spain. Her galleon filled with all the treasure: gold, silver, copper, tobacco, gems, and jewelry. She never made it out of Veracruz to Havana – to join the fleet of the Tierra Firme (Mainland) Fleet. Her treasure was so enormous that it took 2 months to load the galleon full (in the summer of 1622 in what is now Panama City). She set sail 6 weeks behind schedule on September 4th, 1622. Only two days later on the 6th, she was pushed onto the coral reefs by a severe Hurricane (Approx. 35 miles west of “Key West.”)
All but 3 sailors and two slaves drowned as her hull was ripped apart. Authorities in Spain dispatched five more ships after receiving the news from other surviving ships in efforts to salvage both the Atocha and her sister ship the Santa Margarita,” which had also run aground near the Atocha. Due to the galleons sitting in 55’ of ocean and yet a second hurricane hitting (further scattering the treasure). The following month, salvage efforts were severely hindered. With the help of Indian slaves, over the course of many years, almost half the treasure was recovered from the Santa Margarita. This was mainly accomplished, crudely enough, by sending slaves down in a brass makeshift diving bell (with a window on the side). Many of these efforts ended in death.
Spain’s shipwrecked treasure caused nothing short of devastation to their finances, which were in dire need of funds due to their 30 year war. This forced them to borrow money and sell of galleons to raise the much needed funds. Although the Spanish recovery efforts were somewhat successful over 10 years, they never did find the “Atocha!” Finally, after 16.5 years of searching she was finally discovered in 1985 by Mel Fisher (Treasure Salvors), producing her gold and rare Muzo emeralds. Most of the gold and silver coins were minted between 1598 to 1621 (there were also earlier dates, even as far back as the early 1500’s on board). Treasure is still being brought up to this day. Recently, in June 2011 an emerald and gold ring was brought up by treasure divers from Mel Fisher’s crew that was valued at over $1,200,000 (35 miles from Key West)
Remember in 1985 when Mel Fisher located the Mother Load of the Nuestra Señora De Atocha, it was the Silver BARS that confirmed the Ship by comparing the Serial #’s to the Manifest in the ARCHIVES of the INDIES in Seville SPAIN! This particular piece has the HIGHEST Purity (2380 or 2400 kt.) as marked right on the bar (MMCCCLXXX) center - bottom. Very high Class factor (Grade) .90. The markings are very nice and clear as is the Assayer’s scoop What’s really nice about this BAR is that it clearly displays the 2 strong ROYAL tax Stamps, reflects the King’s 20% had been paid. What’s particularly nice about this piece is that it has the FULL SIZE (14” x 5”) without weighing over 85lbs, which is difficult to handle, carry or lift (increasing the desirability of this Rarely seen weight). We are ONLY Aware of 5 or 6 “BAR SLICES” in existence. This beautiful ATOCHA SHIPWRECK BAR is such a beautiful piece of History and we are honored to offer it on the Open Market!!
~ ATOCHA 1622 SHIPWRECK HISTORY ~
“Our Lady of Atocha,” sank in 1622 off the Florida Keys, Havana bound for Spain. Her galleon filled with all the treasure: gold, silver, copper, tobacco, gems, and jewelry. She never made it out of Veracruz to Havana – to join the fleet of the Tierra Firme (Mainland) Fleet. Her treasure was so enormous that it took 2 months to load the galleon full (in the summer of 1622 in what is now Panama City). She set sail 6 weeks behind schedule on September 4th, 1622. Only two days later on the 6th, she was pushed onto the coral reefs by a severe Hurricane (Approx. 35 miles west of “Key West.”)
All but 3 sailors and two slaves drowned as her hull was ripped apart. Authorities in Spain dispatched five more ships after receiving the news from other surviving ships in efforts to salvage both the Atocha and her sister ship the Santa Margarita,” which had also run aground near the Atocha. Due to the galleons sitting in 55’ of ocean and yet a second hurricane hitting (further scattering the treasure). The following month, salvage efforts were severely hindered. With the help of Indian slaves, over the course of many years, almost half the treasure was recovered from the Santa Margarita. This was mainly accomplished, crudely enough, by sending slaves down in a brass makeshift diving bell (with a window on the side). Many of these efforts ended in death.
Spain’s shipwrecked treasure caused nothing short of devastation to their finances, which were in dire need of funds due to their 30 year war. This forced them to borrow money and sell of galleons to raise the much needed funds. Although the Spanish recovery efforts were somewhat successful over 10 years, they never did find the “Atocha!” Finally, after 16.5 years of searching she was finally discovered in 1985 by Mel Fisher (Treasure Salvors), producing her gold and rare Muzo emeralds. Most of the gold and silver coins were minted between 1598 to 1621 (there were also earlier dates, even as far back as the early 1500’s on board). Treasure is still being brought up to this day. Recently, in June 2011 an emerald and gold ring was brought up by treasure divers from Mel Fisher’s crew that was valued at over $1,200,000 (35 miles from Key West)