Gold Bar

Accession Number1986.008.0085

VesselSanta Margarita (1622)

DescriptionA portion of a gold disc recovered from the wreck of the 1622 galleon Santa Margarita. The original, larger disc was partially cut with a chisel and then broken into segments at these scores. This was intended to be two pieces but they were not broken apart. This chunk bears a partial mark of III•••, almost certainly a remnant of the Roman numeral XXIIII••• meaning the gold is 23 3/4 karats, or nearly pure gold. Dimensions: 8.7 cm L x 5.4 cm W x 1.9 cm H x 848.0 grams.