Watch List notes:

Gold "tejo" ingot, 307 grams, tested at 0.970 fine gold (23.28K), marked with V-over-upside-down-V monogram and serial number XXXXII, ex-Luz (1752), ex-Sotheby's (plated on cover). Roughly 3" x 2-1/2" and 1/8" thick. One of the smaller ingots known as "tejos" among the (only) 40 sold by Sotheby's in 1993, and one of just 19 with neatly engraved V-over-upside-down-V monogram representing an unknown owner or shipper (possibly related to Jesuit missions), also with unique serial number 42 (XXXXII) boldly incised into the surface, and uniquely naturally shaped (however the gold flowed and cooled when poured flat without constraint), this fascinating piece is particularly desirable as having been chosen for an iconic "group photo" on the cover of the 1993 catalog, now finally re-entering the market after some time in South America and some unfortunate test-cutting and hammering near one edge plus further test pits on back. Fits in the palm of your hand! From the Luz (1752), pedigreed to Sotheby's Uruguayan Treasure of the River Plate auction of March 1993 (lot 526) with copy of Sotheby's catalog, the cover of which shows this ingot, and with a spiral-bound pamphlet about the wreck and the ingot (in Spanish and English).


Estimate: 25000 - 37500 USD