2272

California. San Francisco. Kellogg & Humbert. Undated Gold Ingot (circa 1857). CAGB #471. Serial No.

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:NA
California. San Francisco. Kellogg & Humbert. Undated Gold Ingot (circa 1857). CAGB #471. Serial No.
SOLD
180,000.00USD+ buyer's premium (36,000.00)
This item SOLD at 2021 Mar 11 @ 20:11UTC-8 : PST/AKDT

Lot: 2272
Title: California. San Francisco. Kellogg & Humbert. Undated Gold Ingot (circa 1857). CAGB #471. Serial No. 600. 96.65 Ounces. .812 Fine. 1857 Bar Value: $1,622.31.
Header: Impressive Gold S.S. Central America Ingot
Description: As recovered, and none the worse for its lengthy 130 year stay in the icy cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Face and Back as illustrated, sides unstamped. An assayer’s cut was taken from the corner on the back; this assay came up mighty low on the fineness scale compared to that of many of the other bars in the Central America treasure. Bidding pressure will be exacting on this lot by specialists from several disciplines – everyday collectors, shipwreck enthusiasts, California Pioneer Gold collectors, and certainly others. After 30-plus years, large golden objects from the Central America treasure still holds numismatists and others in awe – but please, be certain not to be awestruck at bidding time!
When first offered to the collecting public, the bounty of the S.S. Central America treasure was found to be substantial in its depth, both in actual dollar value of the gold recovered at the wreck site, and in its historical import. Ingots galore from previously unknown issuers were found, along with coins – Pioneer gold and Federal gold and silver -- and jewelry items from the ill-fated passengers and crew. On September 12, 1857, the ship was steaming its way to New York City after a long voyage from San Francisco when the Central America was hit by a sudden and ferocious summer hurricane while far at sea off the coast of the Carolinas. Despite the gallant efforts of the crew and passengers, the stalwart ship went down with 425 of its 578 crew members and passengers. Not only did most survivors lose everything they brought with them on the arduous journey, but thousands of Gem New 1857-S double eagles, fresh from the San Francisco Mint, and tons of other bullion was scattered across the ocean bed. Indeed, the loss of this treasure – not considered a “treasure” of course until it was lost – was a contributing factor in the Panic of 1857. The full story of the S.S. Central America has been told innumerable times and in many ways, including in books and articles, film shorts and displays. To today’s collectors, the Central America and its bountiful treasure will forever be referred to as The Ship of Gold, a nickname that refers to the title of the tour the treasure display undertook beginning in 2000 at the Summer ANA Convention in Philadelphia. Here’s the successful bidder’s opportunity to hold history in his or her hands – and it will take both hands to heft this historical link with California gold fields.
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