1855 Kellogg & Co. $50. Commemorative Restrike. Struck August 25, 2001--Broken Collar, Finned Rim--Proof-68 Deep Cameo (PCGS). Certainly among the most intriguing error coins that we have offered in recent years, and our first offering ever for an error on an example of this popular commemorative restrike type. The collar was broken from 4 oclock to 8:30 relative to the obverse, resulting in considerable disturbance to the denticles along the lower obverse border as well as all four digits in the date. The denticles along the upper reverse border are also disturbed, although to a lesser extent. A pronounced wire rim (a.k.a. fin) is seen around both sides, but otherwise the strike is normal with the remaining design elements fully and properly rendered. Vivid golden-yellow color with strong cameo contrast between frosty design elements and deeply mirrored fields. A particularly impressive - and rare - souvenir from the treasure recovered from the <em>S.S. Central America</em>, the "restrike" version of the 1855 Kellogg & Co. $50 was struck using new dies made from the old, and coined from gold recovered during the excavation of the wreck. The obverse depicts a head of Liberty facing left by Ferdinand Gruner, with stars around, and the date 1855 below. The reverse shows a standing eagle holding a shield, with inscription surrounding. The tiny imprint features the striking date and C.H.S. above the eagle, as appropriate identification. These were struck under the auspices of the California Historical Society. Ex S.S. Central America Gold.
