Toluca Meteorite Slice. Iron, IAB-sLL . Toluca Valley, Jiquipilco, Mexico State, Mexico - (19° 34'N, 99° 34'W). Fo...

Description

North America

Toluca Meteorite Slice
Iron, IAB-sLL
Toluca Valley, Jiquipilco, Mexico State, Mexico - (19° 34'N, 99° 34'W)
Found: 1776

This thick little slice represents the Toluca Meteorite which was first found in Mexico in 1776. The slab is etched with the iconic Widmanstätten pattern and weighs 52.6 grams. A single troilite inclusion can be seen on each side of the compelling smaller piece, which makes the offering even more important and collectible. The crosshatched metallic pattern is visible on both sides, with the troilite as an added bonus. However, the incredible provenance chain is the key to this specimen, which features a hand-painted Oscar Monnig number "M8.157" on the natural edge. Three other historical labels accompany this offering. Each label has the incorrect number "M8.153" written in pencil, showing how this representation has traveled for generations through multiple collections but has a nomenclature error replicated on all of the previous labels. From looking at the unique offering, it is easily understandable why metal from this ancient fall has been used in tool-making for centuries. Toluca became paramount for the legendary Harvey H. Nininger, who made his first epic hunt there and used recovered material to fund a future collection and, ultimately, a museum.
Measurements: 2.05 x 1.78 x 0.25 inches (5.21 x 4.52 x 0.64 cm), weighs 52.6 grams

Provenance: Ex. Oscar E. Monnig Collection #M8.157, The Geoff Notkin Collection



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