Kellogg & Humbert Assayers Gold Ingot. Serial No. 634. 48.30 Ounces, .840 fine. $838.69 Contemporary Value. From the S.S. Central America Treasure.40 mm x 98 mm x 19 mm. Pristine condition, virtually as issued. Valued at $838.69 in 1857 when gold was $20.67 per ounce.<p>We are fortunate to be able to offer two significantly different sizes of Kellogg & Humbert ingots from the historic <em>S.S. Central America</em> shipwreck this sale. The present ingot comes from mold 3 and is one of 107 ingots recovered of this general size from the firm. The recovery of the gold and relics from the <em>S.S. Central America</em> is a storybook in itself and well documented by Q. David Bowers in his monumental reference <em>A California Gold Rush History</em> (2002) wherein this exact ingot is pictured on page 432. These recovered ingots offer a foremost piece of our history and culture, with a rare window glance into the peak of the Gold Rush during 1857, one of our most historic and studied time periods, but one from which so few relics exist. The treasure trove of gold and information from the <em>S.S. Central America</em> provided a quantum leap in our knowledge of this period of how the gold was shipped to the eastern banks and mint in Philadelphia. The loss of this particular ship caused considerable economic upheaval in 1857, which played a significant role in bankrupting several insurance companies and banks that had been counting on the arrival of the ship. Though some of the gold was eventually recovered some 130 years later, most of the insurance companies went bankrupt in the meantime. The gold itself is virtually unchanged and retains not only its monetary value but comes with significant historic value as well. Indeed, this particular ingot was previously on loan to the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles, California where it aided in the education of thousands of visitors about this historic time period.<p>Fully bright and golden-yellow in finish, the surfaces are free of any noteworthy imperfections that might suggest its involvement in such a chaotic tragedy. Close inspection reveals insignificant abrasions and minor texturing (more so in some areas than others) that is more the result of the casting process than time spent at sea. The top of the ingot is stamped NO 634 with the name of the firm, KELLOGG / & / HUMBERT / ASSAYERS, within a rectangular box below. Midway down the bar is the weight, 48.30 OZ, followed by the fineness, 840 FINE, and the value in gold at the time of manufacture, $838.69. Considering that the current market price dictates a bullion value nearing $75,000 much can be inferred about our economic change and growth over the past 150 years! The reverse is similarly stamped 634 at the top. No other stamps are present on the other faces. Housed in a clear acrylic case, the ingot is easily viewable from all sides and thoroughly protected from harm. <em><strong>Due to the size and nature of this lot, additional shipping charges apply. Please call 800-458-4646 for more</strong></em> <strong><em>information</em></strong>.Ex <em>S.S. Central America</em>.
