Page 67 - Treasure, World & U.S. Coin Auction 17

247. Long gold bar #55, 1292 grams, marked with fineness XVI and three dots (16.75K) and foundry/assayer AVN / CI-
BAN, from the Atocha (1622). 8” x 1-1/4” x 5/8”. A very clean, bright, smooth and tidily marked bar for its large size, with four very bold
(deeply impressed) markings of fineness interspersed with six circular tax stamps, the foundry/assayer full but less bold, with large fineness XVI
and three parallel lines (instead of dots) lightly inscribed into the surface (probably the assayer’s temporary marking before stamping), several
small cuts at one end and a single one at the other end (at least one of which represents the assayer’s “bite”), the bottom of the bar typically
rough but coral-free, interesting as not listed on the manifest (so possibly contraband). From the Atocha (1622), with Fisher photo-certificate
#85A-GB055. Estimate: $75,000-up.

248. Complete gold “finger” bar #1526, 699 grams, marked with fineness XXIII: (23.5K) and serial number 152-1, from
the Atocha (1622). 5-1/4” x 7/8” x 1/2”. From a series of mysteriously high grade bars without foundry/assayer markings and tax stamps (also
no assayer’s “bite”), hence purported to be either the property of the Church or representative of the “king’s fifth” (tax), this example with
very bold fineness but light serial number (both hand-engraved), two dimples on top where the metal settled during cooling. From the Atocha
(1622), with Fisher photo-certificate #A84-1526. Estimate: $35,000-up.

249. Flat, cut gold bar #3130, 186 grams, marked with fineness XXII (22K) and foundry/assayer G.DE BS, from the Atocha
(1622), with old, hand-signed Fisher certificate. 2-1/2” x 1” x 1/4”. Boldly marked with two finenesses and circular tax stamps and one
full foundry/assayer (first example of this cartouche we have ever offered and therefore probably very rare), with large “temporary” fineness-mark
XXII lightly inscribed into the surface, both ends neatly cut and the sides smooth and clean, the bottom typically rough, no coral or damage,
popular as a small and therefore affordable bar with attractive markings. From the Atocha (1622), with hand-signed Fisher photo-certificate #3130
dated August 27, 1979. Estimate: $15,000-up.

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