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This paper analyzes the work of New Spain's royal treasuries assayers. It considers the period in which this responsibility was carried out under the regime of sale of public offices. These officers were in charge of certifying the fineness of silver and gold so that they could be used in commerce or minted, and taxes could be collected on them. These appointments were both a livelihood for many people and a key position in the complex relationship between the king and local elites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]