| SITE | TAG# | COIN# | DENOM | REIGN | MINT | ASSAYER | DATE | GRAMS | VESSEL |
| Douglas Beach | 46409 | 30271 | Half Reale | Not Visible | Mexico | Not Visible | Not Visible | .7 | PAND |
| Douglas Beach | 46410 | 30272 | Half Reale | Charles II | Mexico | Not Visible | Not Visible | 1.1 | PAND |
| Douglas Beach | 46855 | 30273 | Half Reale | Philip V | Mexico | Not Visible | Not Visible | .5 | RFIF |
| Douglas Beach | 46856 | 30274 | Frag | Not Visible | Not Visible | Not Visible | Not Visible | .8 | RFIF |
| Rio Mar | 47137 | 30275 | 2 Reale | Not Visible | Mexico | Not Visible | Not Visible | 1.2 | BOOK |
| Rio Mar | 47144 | 30276 | Frag | Not Visible | Not Visible | Not Visible | Not Visible | .2 | BOOK |
2000 SEASON UNIQUE ARTIFACTS
MEL FISHER CENTER, INC.
The following section presents the artifacts that were deemed unique or notable in the 2000 season. It is possible that these artifacts might aid in the knowledge and understanding of the wrecks of the 1715 fleet, the stylistic and manufacturing techniques of the time period, or perhaps in the identification of one of the wrecks. It is hoped that the research presented will serve as a base for future research.
Below is a list of these artifacts in the order they are presented in this report.
Clasping Hands Bracelet, #47263, Cabin Wreck Site
The Higa, #46253, Douglas Beach Site
Gold Stock, #46257, Douglas Beach Site
Possible Cocoa Service Fragments, #46527, Cannon Wreck Site
Wood Razor Sheath, #46522, Cabin Wreck Site
Mano, #46768, Cabin Wreck Site
Metate, #47143, Rio Mar Wreck Site
Wood Knee, #46636, Rio Mar Wreck Site
Sword Handle, #47279, Douglas Beach Site
Sword Handle, #46672, Cabin Wreck Site
Clasping Hands Bracelet
(Figure 3 - Clasping Hands Bracelet Tag Number #47263)
In the 2000 recovery season, one of the unique items recovered was a bracelet with clasping hands artifact tag #47263. It was recovered by the crew of the m/v Gold Duster from the Cabin Wreck site. The bracelet is executed in low karat gold, it is hinged in the center and comes together to form the two clasping hands. Ornate cuffs and flared lobes precede the hands along the arms of the bracelet. (See figures 3 and 4)
The artistic design of the two hands clasping has been seen repeatedly on the 1715 Fleet on artifacts recovered in previous years. The design is incorporated into both bracelets and rings, some of which have taken the form of the "Claddagh" or two hands holding a heart. (See Florida East Coast Shipwreck Project, 1999 Season Report, pgs. 216-218)
The symbol of two hands clasping represents love, friendship, an agreement or a bond. The origin of the symbol is lost in antiquity although it has a very long history in the iconography of Europe. Traveling to the New World with the Spanish Conquistadors and subsequent settlers, its repeated appearance on artifacts from the wrecks of the 1715 Fleet attests to its popularity during the first half of the 18th century.
The outer diameter of the bracelet is 6.5 centimeters and the gram weight is 21grams.
Figure 4 - Illustration of #47623
The Higa
By: Noel Wells
During the 2000 salvage season the motor vessel Endeavor recovered a cuprous higa, artifact #46253 from the Douglas Beach Site. The artifact was so well preserved that other than a fresh water bath it required little conservation. The condition of the piece is so nearly perfect that the only imperfections show as faint cracking in the metal. These can be seen only under magnification and are not in any way serious, but merely metal fatigue in some of the striations caused when the piece was made. The minute remains of gilding on the outside surface of the hook can be detected under magnification giving a hint of how this piece may have once looked.
This higa is probably average in size measuring 2.5 cm. in length and .8 cm. across the hand. The hook-like loop measures 1 cm. across the extreme outside. The weight is 2.5 grams. (See figures 5 and 6)
Figure 5 - Illustration of #46253
Figure 6 - Photo #46253An amulet is defined by (Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000, titled "Amulet") as, "any object worn as a charm." An amulet is most often a stone, or piece of metal, with either an inscription or figures engraved on it. Usually suspended from the neck, it is worn as a guard against sickness or witchcraft."
The word "amulet," is derived from the Arabic "hamala", meaning "to carry." Hamala also refers to the necklace that faithful Moslems hang the Koran on. However, it is not just an Islamic tradition as many other cultures have similar practices and beliefs. These charms date back to at least 5000 BC. The ancient Egyptians adorned their bracelets with the ankh, a life symbol, and the eye of
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