The August 19 Spotlight: Shipwreck and Treasure World Coins Showcase from Heritage Auctions is dedicated to the treasures salvaged from the depths of history. This showcase features an array of gold “Finger” bars and Rincón 2 and 4 Reales from the famed “Golden Fleece” shipwreck. Additionally, you will find various gold and silver issues recovered from the historic 1715 Fleet, along with a remarkable Tumbaga bar, detailed below. The auction also includes fascinating examples from Spanish and Dutch shipwrecks, offering collectors and enthusiasts a unique glimpse into the nautical past.
The Tumbaga bar is a curious example and one of a few extant lacking original assayer markers. At 3.88 lbs, it measures 236 x 62 x 15 mm. It was salvaged from the “Tumbaga wreck” (c. 1528 off Grand Bahama Island), nicknamed after the vast amount of Tumbaga pieces recovered. The Tumbaga, a term learnt by Conquistadors in their first expeditions, were low-fineness, gold or silver ornate relics treasured by original American cultures. From idols to jewelry, mortuary masks to ceremonial ornaments, these were the first precious metal spoils looted by the Spaniards during their incursions into the continent. Though a few intricate and lavish pieces were brought back to Spain, most were crudely melted down — some theorizing they used the native’s methods of casting — and swiftly shipped to the king.
The “Tumbaga Wreck” is from perhaps the oldest shipwreck treasure yet unearthed in the New World. Before the salvaging of the wreck in the early 1990s, little to no study had been done regarding these early, important pieces. Douglas R. Armstrong was hired by Marex, the salvaging company, to conserve about 200 bars retrieved. Armstrong promptly realized how important the discovery was and took the opportunity to do a thorough study of this unprecedented group of bars. An extensive analysis of the stamps and purity of the pieces made it possible to better understand these archaic numismatic items from the first European settlers to conquer the Americas.
A few of the other fascinating relics offered here include:
- Bolivia: Philip III “Atocha” Cob 8 Reales ND (1612-1616) P-Q AU (Saltwater Effect), Potosi mint, KM10, Cal-916
- Brazil: Mato Grosso Gold Nugget (12.2868 oz), 382.2g. 60x43mm
- Colombia: Charles III Pretender gold “1715 Fleet” Cob 2 Escudos (1700-1714)-ARC MS64 NGC, Santa Fe de Nuevo Reino mint, Cal-Type 242
- Mexico: Charles & Johanna “Early Series” 4 Reales ND (1536-1538) M-R VF Details (Environmental Damage) NGC, Mexico City mint, KM-MB16, Cal-116
- Mexico: Charles & Johanna “Golden Fleece Shipwreck” gold “Finger” Bar of 471.74g ND (c. 1550), 198x25x12mm. 782.45g
- Mexico: Charles & Johanna “Golden Fleece Shipwreck” gold cut “Finger” Bar of 53.37g ND (c. 1550), 30x25x13mm, 53.37g
- Mexico: Philip V “Milled” 8 Reales 1733 Mo-F AU Details (Sea Salvaged) NGC, Mexico City mint, KM103, Cal-1438
- Philip II Cob 8 Reales 1590 T-M AU55 NGC, Toledo mint, Cal-752
This auction is open for bidding right now, with the Live session scheduled for Monday, August 19 at 7:00 PM CT. Browse all the lots in the August 19 Heritage Shipwreck and Treasure World Coins Showcase today at Coins.HA.com.
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