|
Sale 78
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 1859
1854-S. PCGS graded MS-62. A lovely BU example exhibiting pinkish-golden frosty mint luster. Slightly matte-like. A tell-tale sign that this example was from the sunken treasure recovered near Anacapa Island off the west coast of central California.
Artifacts from the sunken steamer S.S. Yankee Blade are said to have been salvaged by divers around 1977, and at least 200 to 250 specimens of 1854-S gold $20 coins are believe to have been found (although no accounts of exact figures have been released). As is often true of treasure salvage situations, little factual information is forthcoming; often the more publicity given to a treasure find, the more claimants appear to seek a share. Pop 23; 23 finer, 17 in 63, 4 in 64, 2 in 65 (PCGS # 8913) .
Wreck of the Yankee Blade: The SS Yankee Blade, launched in 1853, was in the service of the Steamship Co. in 1854. On October 1 she was on a run from San Francisco south to Panama, carrying about 900 passengers and crew and an unknown amount of gold, but including about $152,000 in coins consigned by the banking house of Page, Bacon and Co. In heavy fog Captain Henry T. Randall, believing he was in deep water far at sea, proceeded at full speed ahead, trying to establish a speed record -- certain to be beneficial in advertising.
The captain was mistaken. It turned out the steamer was amid the rockbound Channel Islands, off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The ship smashed onto a rock, and was stranded at an acute angle. In time, she sank, but not before most passengers and crew had escaped. In the ensuing confusion, an estimated 17 to 50 passengers lost their lives.
As to what became of the gold coins aboard, some were recovered soon after the disaster, in circumstances shrouded in mystery. Perhaps other coins were found later, over a long period of time. In 1948 the hull was relocated, and various divers visited the wreck. Circa 1977, extensive recoveries were made, with an estimated 200 to 500 1854-S Double Eagles later appearing on the market. All showed microscopic granularity, possibly from the action of sea-bottom sand, and all had die cracks on the reverse from the die used to strike them. Little in the way of hard facts had ever reached print.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 17,000.
The Del Valle Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $38,775 |
|
