A rare gold bar from the famous shipwreck of the Atocha is going to be auctioned soon. This gold bar weighs 5 pounds and is part of a treasure auction happening from May 7 to 9 in Winter Park, Florida. The Atocha ship sank in 1622, and this gold bar is one of the largest ever found from that ship. Let’s dive into more details about this exciting auction!
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Auction Firm | Daniel Frank Sedwick |
Auction Dates | May 7 to May 9, 2024 |
Location | Winter Park, Florida |
Gold Bar Weight | 5 pounds (2,274 grams) |
Dimensions | 8.75 inches x 1.5 inches x 0.75 inches |
Gold Composition | .708 fine gold (17-karat) |
Historical Significance | Recovered from the Atocha shipwreck sunk in 1622 |
Pre-Auction Estimate | $200,000 and up |
Royal Tax Stamps | Eight circular stamps bearing King Philip III’s name |
Foundry Mark | SEBATN / ESPANOL (unattributed) |
Notable Events | Atocha sank due to a hurricane; only 5 survivors |
Salvage History | First coins found in 1971 by Mel Fisher; bulk recovered in 1985 |
Auction Highlights | Large silver ingots, rare piña ingot, and many silver coins |
The History of the Atocha Shipwreck
The Nuestra Señora de Atocha was a treasure ship that sank on September 6, 1622, near Key West, Florida. It was a three-masted galleon built just two years before it sank. The Atocha was part of a fleet of 28 ships that carried gold, silver, and precious gems from the New World to Spain.
When it left Havana, Cuba, on September 4, 1622, the Atocha was the leading ship in the fleet. This fleet was crucial for Spain’s finances, as it transported valuable resources that helped pay for royal expenses. The Atocha had a crew of about 265 people, including soldiers and passengers, who were all eager to return to Europe.
Unfortunately, just two days into their journey, the fleet was hit by a hurricane while nearing the Florida Straits. The Atocha was wrecked on a reef, and only five people survived the disaster. They managed to cling to the ship’s highest mast until help arrived.
About the Gold Bar
The gold bar up for auction weighs more than 5 pounds (around 2,274 grams) and has dimensions of 8.75 inches long, 1.5 inches wide, and 0.75 inches thick. It is made of .708 fine gold that was mined in the New World.
This special gold bar features eight circular royal tax stamps with the name of the King of Spain, PHILIPPVS III, and five XVII gold fineness markings, which indicate that it is 17-karat gold. It also has a unique mark that is found only on two gold bars from the Atocha.
The expected price for this gold bar at the auction is $200,000 or more. According to Daniel Frank Sedwick, the owner of the auction firm, this bar is a “crown jewel” of treasure from the Atocha wreck.
The Making of the Gold Bar
This gold bar was created in the early 1600s at a Spanish foundry that processed gold and silver from South America. After being transported overland to Panama City, the gold was loaded onto the Atocha for its journey to Spain.
What Happened to the Atocha Treasure?
The treasure from the Atocha remained lost for many years. It was not until 1971 that a famous salvager named Mel Fisher and his team discovered the first coins from the wreck. After facing numerous legal battles and personal challenges, Fisher’s team eventually recovered most of the treasure in 1985. This was one of the largest collections of silver and gold coins ever found.
The gold bar being auctioned comes with a photo-certificate from the Fisher salvage company, which confirms its authenticity. It also has a history linked to the Christie’s Atocha auction held in June 1988.
Other Treasures from the Atocha
Along with the gold bar, the auction will feature several other treasures from the Atocha, including:
- A large silver ingot weighing over 88 troy pounds, estimated at $30,000 or more.
- A silver ingot from Potosí weighing over 82 troy pounds, estimated at $25,000 or more.
- A rare silver piña ingot, one of only three known from the Atocha, weighing 5,335 grams and estimated at $15,000 or more.
- More than 180 silver coins from various locations, including Mexico City and Lima, with several high-grade pieces from the Bill Barman Collection.
Daniel Frank Sedwick expressed excitement about having such remarkable treasures in one auction, stating, “It won’t be seen again anytime soon.”
How to Participate in the Auction
The auction will take place live online at Anyone interested in participating can join in to bid on these amazing historical treasures.
Conclusion
The gold bar from the Atocha shipwreck represents not just wealth, but also a rich history of adventure, disaster, and recovery. It highlights the importance of maritime trade in the early 1600s and the incredible stories behind lost treasures. If you are fascinated by history and treasure hunting, this auction will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of that legacy. Don’t miss the chance to learn more and possibly take home a remarkable artifact from one of the most famous shipwrecks in history.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the Atocha gold bar?
The Atocha gold bar is a historical artifact recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622. It represents a major piece of treasure from one of the most famous shipwrecks in history.
2. How much does the gold bar weigh?
The gold bar weighs 5 pounds (2,274 grams).
3. What is the estimated value of the gold bar?
The pre-auction estimate for the gold bar is $200,000 and up.
4. What auction firm is handling the sale?
The gold bar is being auctioned by Daniel Frank Sedwick.
5. When and where is the auction taking place?
The auction is scheduled for May 7 to May 9, 2024, in Winter Park, Florida.