Legendary shipwreck gold bar sold for $138,000 at auction

In March 2023, Holabird Western Americana Collections held the final auction of historical items salvaged from the 1857 sinking of the legendary SS Central America "Golden Ship" representing the Gold Rush Lifetime Capsule.In total, 422 lots were put up for auction, among which were pieces of coal, crew members' keys, dishes and fine jewelry, as well as gold bars and coins. Collectors have offered $1.1 million to purchase these items.

 One of the highlights of the auction was a 32.15 ounce gold bar sold for $138,000. The face value at the time of creation was $586.17.

Kellogg & Humbert was among the most active and prolific issuers of gold bars and coins in the mid-1850s. August Humbert and John Glover Kellogg were among the most famous appraisers in the history of the California Gold Rush.

A $1 note issued by the Manufacturers and Traders Bank in Buffalo, New York, found in a SS Central America Treasurer's safe, sold at auction for $5,760.

In addition to the gold bar and banknote, the auction also sold a modern counterfeit Mexican "gold" coin 1853-GoPM Mexico 8 found in the S.S. Safe for Central American Treasurer.