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Lot of 3 silver coin-like "plata corriente" pieces cut from "splash" ingots (no markings, fineness u

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Shipwreck Ingots Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 375.00 USD
Lot of 3 silver coin-like  plata corriente  pieces cut from  splash  ingots (no markings, fineness u
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Lot of 3 silver coin-like "plata corriente" pieces cut from "splash" ingots (no markings, fineness unknown but probably over 90%), 85.4 grams total, from an unidentified ca.-1554 wreck off Santo Domingo. 42.4, 15.2 and 17.8 grams, 1-1/2", 1" and 1" respectively. It is well documented that in the mid-1500s colonial commerce lacked sufficient circulating coinage, despite the efforts of the Mexican mint (which began in 1536), and relied instead on small pieces of silver cut from ingots that were probably intentionally cast in thin (easily breakable) "splashes" for that reason. This lot represents a set of three examples of this makeshift currency, which was eventually eradicated due to the fact that so many pieces (like these) did not show any markings to prove that the proper tax had been paid! From an unidentified ca.-1554 wreck off Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.