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25.02.2021

Lincoln Spanish-American gold hoards

The discovery of six gold coins, part of a larger hoard first found in 1928, is a remarkable find with historical significance. The hoard consists of "8-escudo" gold coins minted during the reign of King Charles IV of Spain, and they were all produced in South America. The coins are dated between 1793 and 1801, suggesting that they were buried shortly thereafter, likely in 1802 or 1803.

The hoard's unique nature lies in its origin and composition. The coins were minted in various South American locations, including Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Bolivia. They all bear the likeness of King Charles IV in military uniform on the obverse side, with the Latin legend "CAROLVS IV DG HISP. ET IND. Р.'" surrounding his portrait.

On the reverse side, the coins display the royal coat of arms, accompanied by a collar featuring the Golden Fleece. The edge of the coin carries the legend "IN. UTRO Q. FELIX. FELIX. DEO," which translates to "By the will of God we will prosper."

The circumstances surrounding the hoard's burial raise intriguing questions. The coins were likely buried for safekeeping during a time of political and military turmoil, namely the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It was common for individuals to bury their wealth during such uncertain times, but the owner of this hoard apparently never returned to retrieve it.

The hoard's close date range and uniform coin type suggest that they were acquired as part of a commercial transaction. One theory is that they might be related to the sheep trade, particularly Lincoln Longwool sheep, which were sold throughout Europe and South America in the 19th century. Profits from this trade could explain the hoard's existence.

The coins offer a fascinating glimpse into the economic and trade activities of the period and raise questions about the fate of the individual who buried them. Further research may provide more insights into the history of these coins and their owner. The acquisition of these coins was made possible through the assistance of various organizations, including the V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Headley Trust, and the Friends of the Lincoln Museums and Art Gallery.

Lincoln Spanish-American gold hoards

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