Gold Bar

Accession Number1986.008.0078

VesselNuestra Señora de Atocha (1622)

DescriptionA short gold ingot from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha. This ingot is stamped with a bold XXIII••, symbolizing that it is 23 1/2 karat gold, or nearly pure. There is another mark - 148-7 - that indicates the weight of the bar in Spanish castellanos. Interestingly, this bar bears no tax stamps, suggesting it was being shipped outside of the official system and an example of contraband treasure. Dimensions: 12.2 cm L x 2.6 cm W x 1.6 cm Thick x 682.1 grams.