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Large silver ingot 787 from Oruro, 85 lb 5.28 oz troy, Class Factor 0.7, with markings of manifest C

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Shipwreck Ingots Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Large silver ingot 787 from Oruro, 85 lb 5.28 oz troy, Class Factor 0.7, with markings of manifest C
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This item SOLD at 2024 Nov 07 @ 10:05UTC-5 : EST/CDT
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Large silver ingot 787 from Oruro, 85 lb 5.28 oz troy, Class Factor 0.7, with markings of manifest CCLXXXI (281), fineness IIUCCCLXXX (2380/2400), owner/shipper, silvermaster, and early tax stamps, ex-Atocha (1622). 16" x 5" x 3¼". Contrary to its Class Factor rating, this bar is actually well marked, with bold, full, and very clear markings of manifest (CCLXXXI), owner/shipper (AVL monogram), and silvermaster (V for de Vreder) in corners, plus a full fineness marking flanked by rectangular assayer cartouches, one of which shows a fairly clear LITO / ERA (probably with other letters in monogram), plus four small circular tax stamps, one of which shows a very clear shield and legend PHILIPVS DG HISPANI, the lack of an ordinal possibly indicative of manufacture in the time of Philip II (hence 1500s). The usual cylindrical assayer's "bite" at one end is somewhat hidden in the steep slope near the bottom. In addition, this ingot is accompanied by a special packet of certification, including original photo-certificate inscribed by Mel Fisher "Today's the day, Julian! - Mel" in a sleeve showing a Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum sticker that says I LIFTED A GOLD BAR, plus two postcards and a set of twelve personal photos of Mel signing the certificate and posing with an investor (presumably named Julian) and his family. From the Atocha (1622), with original Fisher photo-certificate 85A-S787 and photos of Mel Fisher hand-signing the certificate.