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Story summary
- A Heritage Science study challenges the view that West African traders adulterated gold during the age of exploration.
- European traders, including the English and Dutch, often suspected dilution of gold with lesser metals.
- Artifacts from the Whydah Gally wreck, off Massachusetts in 1717 and captained by Samuel Bellamy, indicate the gold was genuine.
- The Whydah Gally reportedly carried riches from over 50 ships before sinking in a storm.
