Lot 996
(1857) Kellogg & Humbert gold bar No. 1027, 96.79 oz.906 Fine gold, value at time of issue $1812.75. A monumental and very desirable example from these assayers of the California Gold Rush era. The bar itself is a deep yellow gold in color with the surfaces partially overlaid with a coat of natural dark red oxidation. This being a result of the coal from the steamer laying next to the cachet of bars at the bottom of the sea. This natural "patina" adds a certain charm to this bars and can be easily removed if chosen. Of note is the fineness of this bar, which at .906, and the other bar offered in this sale at .935, pure gold is very high for native California gold, which was usually found well 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. Also we note the control number of the bar #1027 is stamped on the back of the bar.
As noted in the Bower's publication, the Kellogg & Humbert bars are amongst the most numerous of the bars recovered from the wreck, however, because Kellogg and Humbert were such important participants in the California Gold Rush history, as many coins were known from their partnership, it is these bars that best represent the California Gold Rush era. These bars were completely unknown until the wreck was recovered in the 1980's and made available to collectors in 2000
This bar is accompanied by the special leather edition of Q. David Bowers A California Gold Rush History and the new owner will doubtless 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 a gold coin collection.
Estimated Value $65,000 - 85,000.
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| Realized $64,400 |
