10476

Kellogg & Humbert Assayers Gold Ingot, Uncertifie

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / US Coins Start Price:75,000.00 USD Estimated At:1.00 - 1,000,000.00 USD
Kellogg & Humbert Assayers Gold Ingot, Uncertifie
<B>Kellogg & Humbert Assayers Gold Ingot, Uncertified.</B></I> No. 846. The partnership of John Kellogg and Augustus Humbert was formed in April of 1855. Years of successful and honest assaying paid off, and these individuals were very helpful in keeping the early California economy moving as the newly created San Francisco Mint (coinage began in 1854) could scarcely keep up with the demand. The surviving supply of these gold bars came about from the recovery of the gold which was on board the S.S. Central America sidewheeler ship, which sank during a hurricane on September 12, 1857. We note this bar is photographed on page 443 of Q. David Bowers <I>A California Gold Rush Collection Featuring the Treasure From The S.S. Central America</B></I> This face of the bar states /No. 846/Kellogg / & / Humbert / Assayers / 90.42 oz. / 907 FINE / $1,695.32. As always seen, a couple of corners are clipped, one on the lower right of the face, the other the opposite corner on the back of the bar. The serial No. 846 is noted at the top of the back of the bar as well. Surfaces are generally bright yellow gold, with minor casting imperfections as usually seen. A few flecks or orange encrustation are noted, some in the ball of 9 in 90.42 oz. Steeped in tragedy and history, these relics of the California Gold Rush are survivors from the time capsule of Davy Jones Locker, which were miraculously recovered by the efforts of the Bob Evans and Tommy Thompson in the early 1990s. An opportunity to buy a lovely and impressive gold bar.<BR><I>Ex: Bowers and Merena's Sale (Rindge and Harlan Collections, 12/03) lot 3265.</B></I>