Use of gold coins in dating the wreck of the "Bom Jesus" off the Namibian coast. 0

[RWB]

The attached link will be of interest to collectors who want to know more about the archeological use of coins in dating and authenticating ship wrecks and other historical events. This wreck is of a Portuguese coastal trading vessel, known as the Bom Jesus which was lost on a voyage to India in 1533.

The cargo included copper ingots (half spheres), gold coins, tin ingots and approximately 100 elephant tusks. The ivory has proven helpful in identifying human predation and diversity destruction among West African elephant populations.

http://www.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt/media/uploads/dans/TheOranjemundShipwreck.pdf

Edited December 19, 2020 by RWB

[RWB]

[ "Thud...." ]

[Alex in PA.]

Roger:  Thanks for posting that very interesting and educational article.   Here was I believing all the 'greedy grifters' had to do was scuba dive down and scoop up the treasure.  This article reveals the work they had to go through and the varied personnel involved.  Quite an historical based article and a very good read.  Nice pictures too.

[Fenntucky Mike]

Looks interesting, downloaded it, printed it and added it to the "read" pile. Thanks!

[RWB]

There is a more "popular" version available from National Geographic - but you have to pay for it without seeing a preview.