PRESS RELEASES
January 5, 2007
Rare, museum quality coins from the Atocha shipwreck and original North American Animal Maps from the early 1600's to be exhibited and auctioned at Bank of the San Juans.
Bank of the San Juans will proudly unveil the treasure to the public at their Snowdown Pre-Parade Party: Friday, February 2nd from 4:30-6:00 pm. Find a parking spot early and enjoy the Pre-Parade Party at the Bank's Downtown Durango Office located at 144 E. 8th Street. Other event attractions include a replica of the cannons used on ships like the Atocha to fight against pirate attacks, a special appearance of the Snowdown Follies pirate belly dancers, and warm food and beverages such as chili, stew and hot cocoa to warm parade goers. Enter to win costume contests and get your digital photo taken next to the cannon. This is a free event.
Auction Details:
One of the maps and three coins, known as "Spanish pieces of eight", recovered from the sunken Spanish Galleon, the Atocha, have been generously donated by an anonymous local collector and Rotarian to be offered in a silent auction. The auction will be held throughout the month of February at Bank of the San Juans. Bidders may place their bid over the phone and are not required to attend the event. The proceeds of the sale will go directly to the Santa Maria del Mexicana Orphanages in Colon, Mexico.
The donor has chosen the orphanage in Mexico as the beneficiary because of the coins own history. The coins were mined and minted by Mexican slaves in the early 1600's and he considers it "blood money". He feels it's only appropriate that the money be given back to its people. Rotary has adopted the orphanage as one of its international service projects.
Map and coin collectors from all over the world should be very interested in these rare and valuable items.
A History Channel documentary on the discovery of the treasure laden shipwreck is available for viewing. There is a certificate of authenticity for each coin.
The map is an original 1633 North American Animal Map made by Hondius, a Dutch Cartographer. The map is in excellent condition and one of approximately 50 left in existence today. All surviving maps are either in museums or in private collections. Appraisals and documentation of authenticity from the Newberry Library in Chicago accompany the map.
Minimum bids have been placed on the coins and map. Call Angie Beach at Bank of the San Juans for more information: 247-1818.
