Toll Free 800-650-9030 International 239-948-6915
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Toll Free 800-650-9030 International 239-948-6915
Order By Fax 239-949-9537
© 2007 Atocha Treasure Company LLC All Rights Reserved
| One part of the recovered treasure consists of over 100,000 coins. Most of these coins were in chests, and they are encrusted together in the shape of large loaves of bread. After creating both plaster and photographic records of a ‘loaf,” the encrustation is dissolved by submerging the “loaf” in a multi-base organic acid solution. It works beautifully, and over time the encrustation simply dissolves and the individual coins separate. The process cannot be rushed, however, because the coins would become brittle and valueless. After the coins are separated, a black coating remains on each coin. This is removed by reverse electrolysis, this time by submerging each coin in a mild alkaline bath by hanging it from a bar with a metal clip that resembles a small clothespin. The metal contact allows a low-voltage electric current to pass through each coin. This process must be carefully monitored, as the proper time of exposure varies for each coin. When the coating has loosened sufficiently, the coins are placed in a drum along with a washing agent and fine stainless steel shot. The drum, which operates with a lapidary tumbler of the type used to polish gems, gently removes the coating and a shining silver coin emerges. The coin is then classified according to the legibility of the original markings, including date, mint, and assayer marks. A certificate of authenticity, complete with a photographic image of the specific coin, is prepared as the final step. | |
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The steps outlined above are complex and essential. The mix of higher grade coins versus lower grade coins will not be known until the classification of all the coins has been completed. An equitable division cannot take place until the total value is established. Until last fall, Treasure Salvors had quite naturally utilized all investment funds for the search activities. They are now being asked to grow from processing a handful of coins per day to 2,000 per day, without impairing the coins or the certification process. To achieve that rate they have expanded the facilities for the reverse electrolysis process as much as space and a skilled monitoring staff will allow. The have also installed a set of personal computers that will ultimately allow for the complete certification of a coin in 30 seconds and a master file that can summarize the treasure in many different ways. It appears that those things which are delaying the distribution have been identified and addressed, but even the ultimate rate of 2,000 coins per day will require 90 days to complete. |
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In summary, there are very good and necessary reasons why the distribution has had to be postponed. The divers and staff who have worked so long and so hard for so little are waiting for the distribution along with the rest of us, and if there were any responsible way to accelerate the distribution they would think of it. Mel is planning an Atocha party for September, and it will be a party to end all parties. The guest list will be limited to those who had enough faith in Mel to invest, plus more than a few media representatives. You won’t want to miss it. In the meantime, two significant events will occur while you are waiting. The first was a televised National Geographic special aired on Sunday, March 23, I was honored to be invited to preview it with Mel and Dolores and their crew. It is a beautifully documented story of the family and their unyielding and undeniable quest for a dream. I hope you all were able to see it. The second is that the Numismatist, journal of the American Numismatic Association, will publish a comprehensive color feature on the coins from the Atocha and Margarita in August. This will be the most elaborate special they have ever published on a single collection, and it is bound to generate significant interest in the coins. |
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| At this writing, our biggest concern is how we are going to get all of that silver past the metal detectors at the airport. I’m sure we’ll solve that one somehow, and look forward to seeing you at the party! | |
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