
This is a one-of-a-kind religious artifact believed to have been gifted to Benedictine monks in Latin America between the late 18th and early 19th century. Constructed from a single black tourmaline (shorl) crystal, the piece features intricate silver filigree work, gold inlays, and a vibrant opal specimen. The reliquary is crowned with a rare 1774 “Carolus III Dei Gratia” one Real silver coin from the Bolivia Potosà mint, mounted above a hidden votive compartment. This hinged space may have held a religious item or snuff, common for its time. Its protective symbolism, exquisite craftsmanship, and historical connection make it a significant piece for collectors of Latin American religious art, sacred objects, and Spanish colonial antiques.
