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"The Father Kino ingots are among the great hoaxes of twentieth century numismatics."
Read about them here: Holabird-Kagin Americana
Thanks Mackaydon, that was a great article, and would advise others to read it. Especially those that talk about melting down gold coins, and passing them off for placer gold. All treasures have a "fingerprint", that can be traced, if there is enough reason.
The article points out the degree to which āfakersā will go to āproveā their finds are real. Having a plausible (though contrived) story and a āfindā that has most all the characteristics of the real thing can easily mesmerize the public into believing itās real. Everyone wishes the āfindā would be real; then weād all, to some degree, share in the elation---and maybe even provision up and head for the areaāwhere youād find me. Donā¦ā¦ā¦.