Copper Ingots

     At the wreck, 103 of the original 143 copper ingots were found. They weigh more than 7,000 pounds. These ingots are disks, flat on one side and slightly convex on the other (lower left). Recovered pieces vary in diameter from 12 to 24 inches. They range in weight from about 24 pounds up to 145 pounds.

     The ingots were cast in a process that allowed the molten copper to cool in depressions scooped out of the ground. The upper, flat surfaces show swirls and bubbles formed during pouring and cooling. Many ingots contain small pieces of charred wood from the fire used in processing the copper. Much of the copper probably was stored deep in the holds of the ship, where it served as ballast. Once the vessel grounded, the holds flooded, preventing recovery of the copper.

Click on the images to the left for a closer look.