I did the cheap ice test on this to see if it might be silver and the ice indeed began to melt immediately. I don't know what this is. Does anyone have any idea? The bottom has the following letters "HISP" There is a cross with what I believe is a "1" in the top left corner an"8" in the top right corner. The bottom left and right corner I am not sure of. It weighs 9.9 oz.
The ice test depends on the thermal conductivity of the metal/alloy. It may give you some indirect information, but I would not call it a conclusive test. If you do it side by side with some known metals, then you might be able to say if the thermal conductivity is higher or lower than the known sample. Testing for specific gravity should tell you a lot more. BTW. If you're not locked down, find a local coin shop, jeweler, or "we buy gold" place with a handheld XRF. That should give you a good answer as long as it doesn't have a thick plating (and a specific gravity test will confirm if it's plated or not)
Yes it does however it is the back shiny section that makes me question it. Also I noticed in researching "Atocha pirate treasure silver bars" they seemed to be the most comparable to the bar I have. For example the color on this one...however I have seen none that have a cross and random numbers on it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/ATOCHA-162...COA-PIRATE-GOLD-SHIPWRECK-COINS-/303408913245
Makes sense. I did a side by side comparison to a silver coin and it appears the ice on the bar melted much faster than the silver coin. Maybe it has to do with the purity? I don't know.
