Lot 3505
Kellogg & Humbert Gold Bar No. 458
111.63 oz.899 Fine gold. Value at time of issue: $2,074.53. A very desirable example from the S.S. Central America shipwreck. Of note is the fineness of this bar which, at .899 pure gold, is very high for native California gold; it was usually found below this fineness. The lower right corner has been chipped off for assay purposes, as has the upper right corner on the back of the bar (as on all genuine bars). Also, we note that the control number of the bar, 458, is stamped on the back of the bar. This fabulous bar glistens with the natural greenish-golden luster that is representative of California gold
As noted in the Bowers' publication, A California Gold Rush History, the Kellogg & Humbert bars are among the most numerous of the bars recovered from the wreck; however, because Kellogg & Humbert were such important participants in the California Gold Rush history, many coins being known from their partnership, it is these bars that best represent the California Gold Rush era. These bars were unknown until the wreck was recovered in the 1980s and made available to collectors in the year 2000.
The bar is accompanied by the special leather edition of Q. David Bowers' A California Gold Rush History, where this bar is shown and listed. The new owner will undoubtedly spend many hours discussing the epic tales of the discovery of gold in California and the tragedy of the loss of life on the Central America wreck.
Truly a fantastic, historical relic which will be the centerpiece of your gold coin collection. Estimated Value $90,000 - 100,000
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