Description:

Starts at $100 - Very scarce examples of the original type of New World hoe money from Ecuador. As early as 800 CE the Sican culture of Ecuador and N. Peru made dramatic advances in metallurgy that resulted in copper and copper-arsenic alloys that were used as money. These were exported to Central America through maritime trade in exchange for such things as thorny oyster shells. These were the source for the later development of hoe money there. These early 'coins' are often called 'axe' or 'Aztec Hoe', or scraper money. Like the Chinese origins of 'spade' money, these originate from a tool that transformed into a medium of exchange. Like the later 'mushroom' types of Mexico, this one has had the edges of the shaft hammered into a strengthening ridge, however, the blade edge show no signs of sharpening. Each blade about 3-1/4"L. PROVENANCE: Ex-Goetz collection Authenticity Guaranteed The starting price is the price at which the piece can sell.

  • Notes: All items in this auction have been legally acquired, are legal to sell, and guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids, papered by our parent company, Artemis Gallery Ancient Art, as well as Antiquities-Saleroom.
  • Condition: Excellent

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July 31, 2013 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000