Treasure Blog
Widow's Mite
Widow's Mite
Authentic Widow's Mite
The mite is the smallest of all Roman coins (close to the size of a dime).
Denomination: Prutah (Bronze) Date: 103 – 76 BCE
The Widow’s Mite was minted in the holy land over 2000 years ago during the reign of King Alexander Jannaeus in the century preceding the birth of Jesus. What makes these coins of great historical and religious importance is that twice in the bible, Jesus is quoted telling the story of the poor widow who gave all that she had which was just two mites.
These coins are an actual part of the historical record - a unique, ancient artifact that was handled and used in the market stalls by villagers, desert traders, holy men and Roman soldiers alike in everyday transactions.
Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury, and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called into him his disciples, and sayeth unto them, "Verify I say onto you, this poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury; for all that she had, even all her living.” -Mark, 12:41
Spike Found on Atocha site
Hi-Tech Deck
Large piece of pottery found on Atocha site
How to care for your coin
Here are some tips to help you properly take care of your silver coins and jewelry.
Pure silver, as a noble metal, and its alloys are very susceptible to environmental
changes. Commonly, the old alloys (1500s – 1700s) were made of silver and
copper. Copper was mixed with the silver in order to increase the malleability of
the silver that was used in coins and jewelry.
Salvage News
São José Shipwreck
Treasure Found on Atocha site!
The Case of the Dyslexic Mint Worker
Reversed letters and design elements on silver “cob” coinage produced by the Potosi mint might have been the work of an employee suffering from a reading disorder.
Remembering Mel Fisher - The World's Greatest Treasure Hunter
"I think that perseverance has paid. That's one of the main things, just hang in there and do your thing and when people try to tear you down or get jealous, just let it go in one ear and out the other and keep on going." - Mel Fisher
Coin found on Atocha site
Gun powder flask discovery
Possibly the World's Oldest Dive Bell
OTD April 28, 2011 Emerald and gold ring found
This is a wonderful example of the baroque style of this time period.
Artifact from the Atocha - Wooden Bed Post
Atocha Cross
The Atocha Cross, discovered 1982
Here is a detailed drawing and images of one of Atocha's most magnificent discoveries, an exquisite emerald cross with an intricately etched image of St. Anthony and Christ child and the Madonna and child. Read more...
Gold Chains of the 1622 Fleet
Gold Chains of the 1622 Fleet
By James Sinclair
Perhaps one of the most unanticipated finds from the 1622 Fleet shipwrecks is the gold chains. This was a class of item that while expected turned up in numbers that were truly staggering. The first of the gold chains to be found came from the area where the first galleon anchor was found in the area of the Quicksands that was dubbed the Bank of Spain.
The first of the chains to be found was a small example but it none-the-less brought much excitement. Brought to the surface by photographer Don Kincaid, it was a thrilling moment for those involved. While some silver coins had been found, along with the galleon anchor, the presence of gold made the find that much more real and exciting.
9 Carat Emerald Ring Found
9 Carat Emerald Ring Found - June 2011
By James Sinclair
Continuing the wonderful finds from the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, on June 23, 2011 Capt. Andy Matroci and the crew of the J.B. Magruder have done it again! This time with the recovery of a beautiful emerald ring, two silver spoons and some silver coins. In the last Newsletter I mentioned in the article on the gold rosary find, that it may...