^Lot 68 Medium-sized silver bar from Potosí, 19.37 lb troy (7.23 kg), marked with date 1622, fineness, manif

Medium-sized silver bar from Potosí, 19.37 lb troy (7.23 kg), marked with date 1622, fineness, manifest number CVII (107), and tax stamp, ex-Atocha (1622). Roughly 13" x 4" x 1". A mysterious bar, originally found encrusted with coins, in an atypical size yet with top like a larger bar showing fairly clear manifest number above and weaker (unreadable fineness, XRF tested at 98% fine silver) below a central double-scoop assayer's "bite," weak but certain PoI6ZZ mine/date cartouche to left of manifest and circular tax stamp to right. The "bite" appears to be the same size as for larger bars, hence perhaps this one has simply corroded down on the bottom, but we also note a higher than normal level of lead content (about 1.5%) and lack of any owner/shipper "siglas" or A-series mark, definitely a bar with a story to tell!. From the Atocha (1622), with original Fisher photo-certificate 85A-108205 and as-found photo showing sixteen silver coins encrusted onto it.