SS Central America Shipwreck Artifacts Auction, Part I (December 2022)

Auction CurrencyUSD Auction Location3555 Airway Drive Suite 309, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States In Person PreviewPREVIEW:

Auction Details

The S.S. Central America Artifacts Auction catalog has 268 pages of detailed treasure stories about the people, jewelry, gold, and goods onboard the famous "Ship of Gold" that sank off the North Carolina coast in 1857 with tons of gold on board. While the coins and nuggets have already been sold and are in thousands of collections around the world, the artifacts are only just now being released, and are presented for the first time in a two-part sale in December 2022 and February 2023. Online auction platforms do not carry the wealth of information found in our printed catalog, inclusive of three-dimensional photographs of the items on the seafloor and a map where many artifacts were discovered. Order your limited-edition printed catalogs today and enjoy the fascinating world of the S.S. Central America treasure.

Part A of this December auction includes artifacts recovered from the actual shipwreck of the S.S. Central America.
Part B, starting with Lot 2000, offered the same day, presents some of the best California and Alaska Gold Rush material ever assembled for auction.

Fred Holabird
Holabird Western Americana Collections, LLC

AUCTION SCHEDULE

Part A  - S.S.Central America Artifacts
(Lots 1000-1271)

Ships Provisions (Lots 1000-1080)
Passenger Possessions (Lots 1081-1249)
The Business of Gold (Lots 1250-1271)

Part B -  Gold Rush Era Collectibles
(Lots 2000-2276)

Gold Specimens (Lots 2000-2069)
Mining Ephemera; Jewelry; Rare Books & More (Lots 2079-2276)
SHIPPING & HANDLING: The customer is responsible for all shipping and packaging charges. We offer shipping service as a convenience to our buyers. Items are not shipped until the invoice and shipping charges are completely paid. Shipping costs will be calculated and billed separately after your items have been paid for. Purchases will be shipped via our approved, insured carriers: FedEx, UPS, USPS or DHL. Pick up is available from our Reno office, once you have received your invoice post auction
Choose Your Layout > Switch to Grid View Switch to List View
Gold Nugget on Quartz [160104]2027 - Gold Nugget on Quartz [160104]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian gold nugget on quartz. 34.1 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,800.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to S*********r for (1,800.00 + 360.00BP) = 2,160.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Gold Nugget on Quartz [160105]2028 - Gold Nugget on Quartz [160105]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian gold nugget on quartz. 23.9 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,600.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to i********s.. for (1,250.00 + 250.00BP) = 1,500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Gold on Quartz Nugget [160106]2029 - Gold on Quartz Nugget [160106]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian gold on quartz nugget. 32.0 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,700.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to S*********r for (1,700.00 + 340.00BP) = 2,040.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Quartz with Crystalline Gold [160107]2030 - Quartz with Crystalline Gold [160107]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian quartz with crystalline gold. Total eight 23.25 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,300.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to d*******f for (1,150.00 + 230.00BP) = 1,380.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Gold Nugget on Quartz [160108]2031 - Gold Nugget on Quartz [160108]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian gold nugget on quartz. 24.5 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,400.00 - 1,800.00
Sold to G********l for (1,300.00 + 260.00BP) = 1,560.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold on Quartz Group, 7 [160109]2032 - Crystalline Gold on Quartz Group, 7 [160109]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
7 Australian crystalline on gold specimens. Total weight 106 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 2,250.00 | Estimate : 4,500.00 - 6,500.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold on Quartz [160110]2033 - Crystalline Gold on Quartz [160110]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian crystalline gold on quartz. Total weight 54.0 grams, gold 46.2 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,500.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to r**4 for (1,900.00 + 380.00BP) = 2,280.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold on Quartz [160111]2034 - Crystalline Gold on Quartz [160111]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian crystalline gold on quartz. 15.7 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,200.00
Sold to D******n for (950.00 + 190.00BP) = 1,140.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold Specimens, 10 [160112]2035 - Crystalline Gold Specimens, 10 [160112]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
10 Australian crystalline gold specimens mostly nuggets. Total weight 33.95 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenan
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,800.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to i********s.. for (1,700.00 + 340.00BP) = 2,040.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold [160113]2036 - Crystalline Gold [160113]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian crystalline gold, 17.91 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to d*******f for (1,250.00 + 250.00BP) = 1,500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold in Dark Matrix, 3 [160114]2037 - Crystalline Gold in Dark Matrix, 3 [160114]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 Australian gold in dark matrix. 34.29 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,600.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (1,600.00 + 320.00BP) = 1,920.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Gold Nuggets and on Quartz Collection [160115]2038 - Gold Nuggets and on Quartz Collection [160115]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian gold nuggets and on quartz specimens. Gold nuggets 39.04 grams. 2 smaller on quartz specimens 9.94 grams total weight. Large specimen 22.3
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to F********e.. for (3,400.00 + 680.00BP) = 4,080.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold Nuggets and on Quartz [160116]2039 - Crystalline Gold Nuggets and on Quartz [160116]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian crystalline gold on quartz and nuggets. Nuggets 16.8 grams. On quartz 12.7 total grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 800.00 | Estimate : 1,600.00 - 2,200.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold on Quartz Group, 5 [160117]2040 - Crystalline Gold on Quartz Group, 5 [160117]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
5 Australian crystalline gold on quartz specimens. 42.2 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 700.00 | Estimate : 1,400.00 - 1,800.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Nice Gold Leaf Specimen on Black Quartz [160120]2041 - Nice Gold Leaf Specimen on Black Quartz [160120]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice well defined gold leaf specimen on black quartz. Total weight 7.7g, gold weight 6.1g. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to i********s.. for (450.00 + 90.00BP) = 540.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold Collection, 10+ [160121]2042 - Crystalline Gold Collection, 10+ [160121]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
10+ crystalline Australian gold nuggets. Gold weight 47.15 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,600.00 - 3,800.00
Sold to i********s.. for (2,400.00 + 480.00BP) = 2,880.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold on Quartz, 4 [160123]2043 - Crystalline Gold on Quartz, 4 [160123]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
4 Australian gold on quartz. 21.24 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,100.00 - 1,400.00
Sold to d*******f for (1,000.00 + 200.00BP) = 1,200.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Australian Gold Nugget Collection [160124]2044 - Australian Gold Nugget Collection [160124]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of Australian gold nuggets. Gold weight 33.36 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,800.00 - 2,400.00
Sold to d*******f for (1,600.00 + 320.00BP) = 1,920.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold Specimens, 11 [160127]2045 - Crystalline Gold Specimens, 11 [160127]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
11 Australian crystalline gold specimens. 22.31 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to i********s.. for (1,100.00 + 220.00BP) = 1,320.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold in Quartz [160081]2046 - Crystalline Gold in Quartz [160081]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian crystalline gold in quartz with brown stains, typically of jewelry quartz. 1.51 troy oz. about 30% by weight gold. Date: Country (if not
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to P**********o for (1,200.00 + 240.00BP) = 1,440.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Australian Crystalline Gold Nugget [160125]2047 - Australian Crystalline Gold Nugget [160125]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Australian crystalline gold nugget, 8.71 grams. Date: Country (if not USA): Australia State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 600.00
Sold to d*******f for (600.00 + 120.00BP) = 720.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Gold Rush Mining Breast Pin w/Real Nuggets & Diamond [159528]2048 - Gold Rush Mining Breast Pin w/Real Nuggets & Diamond [159528]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gold Rush mining related breast or lapel pin with two authentic gold nuggets and small diamond. Gold plated. Shovel, pick, rope and sinking bucket. 2
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 800.00
Sold to r******r for (2,700.00 + 540.00BP) = 3,240.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline and Gold Leaf in Quartz [160068]2049 - Crystalline and Gold Leaf in Quartz [160068]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.45 troy oz. crystalline and gold leaf in quartz. About 35% gold by weight. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to i********s.. for (650.00 + 130.00BP) = 780.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold and Leaf in Quartz [160069]2050 - Crystalline Gold and Leaf in Quartz [160069]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Crystalline gold and leaf in quartz, .46 troy oz. About 70% weight by gold. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to f********2 for (425.00 + 85.00BP) = 510.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline and Gold Leaf in Quartz [160070]2051 - Crystalline and Gold Leaf in Quartz [160070]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Crystalline and leaf gold in quartz. .42 troy oz. About 50% weight by gold. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 800.00
Sold to R**2 for (750.00 + 150.00BP) = 900.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline and Gold Wire Attached on Quartz [160071]2052 - Crystalline and Gold Wire Attached on Quartz [160071]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Crystalline and gold wire attached to quartz. Total weight 95.63g, gold weight about 13.4g. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenan
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to i********s.. for (550.00 + 110.00BP) = 660.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Gold Leaf in White Quartz [160082]2053 - Gold Leaf in White Quartz [160082]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gold leaf in white quartz. 1.04 troy oz. About 20% weight by gold. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 360.00 - 500.00
Sold to i********s.. for (450.00 + 90.00BP) = 540.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Crystalline Gold in Bright White Quartz [160083]2054 - Crystalline Gold in Bright White Quartz [160083]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Crystalline gold in nice bright white quartz, 2.49 troy oz., about 30% weight by gold. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to F********e.. for (1,500.00 + 300.00BP) = 1,800.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Small Gold Nugget Show Cards, 15 [160084]2055 - Small Gold Nugget Show Cards, 15 [160084]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
15 show cards with small gold nuggets. Weight approx .25g each, about 3.75g total gold. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to t*********5 for (200.00 + 40.00BP) = 240.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Gold Foil in Vials [160126]2056 - Gold Foil in Vials [160126]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
105 vials with gold foil, less than 2 grams of gold in each. Date: Country (if not USA): State: City: Provenance:
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 900.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Alaska Gold Rush Gold Spoon "J. P. B." [159527]2057 - Alaska Gold Rush Gold Spoon "J. P. B." [159527]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small gold spoon, handle is 10k gold, bowl is gold plated. 4-1/8" long .75" wide bowl, .5" wide at top of handle. Engraved with &quo...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to u******i for (2,000.00 + 400.00BP) = 2,400.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Alaska Gold Nuggets, Two Troy Oz. [158904]2058 - Alaska Gold Nuggets, Two Troy Oz. [158904]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Small gold nuggets mined in the Mt. McKinley area of Alaska. Full of gold and quartz, these nuggets are very attractive. Most are six to eight millime
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,600.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to d*******f for (4,000.00 + 800.00BP) = 4,800.00
 
Details...Bookmark
S.S. Islander Treasure Box Contents: 3 Gold pokes, 588 Troy OZ Gold [159106]2059 - S.S. Islander Treasure Box Contents: 3 Gold pokes, 588 Troy OZ Gold [159106]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Three gold pokes full recovered from the SS Islander 1901 wreck near Juneau, recovered 2012, approximately 588 troy ounces. Poke 1: 4" diam...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,800,000.00 - 2,500,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
California Gold in Quartz Nugget from the Shasta Area [158905]2060 - California Gold in Quartz Nugget from the Shasta Area [158905]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large Gold and Quartz Nugget, 2.5 x 3.5" from the Shasta Area. This piece is so big it is almost a small boulder. Found decades ago by metal de...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 15,000.00 - 22,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
California Gold Nugget 25.3 Grams in Presentation Frame [159487]2061 - California Gold Nugget 25.3 Grams in Presentation Frame [159487]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
California Gold Rush genuine gold nugget. 25.3 grams. Frame measures approximately 13" x 16". Double matted, 3D presentation features go...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
Sold to s*********0 for (1,400.00 + 280.00BP) = 1,680.00
 
Details...Bookmark
California Gold Nugget 12.3 Grams in Presentation Frame w/COA [159488]2062 - California Gold Nugget 12.3 Grams in Presentation Frame w/COA [159488]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
California Gold Rush genuine gold nugget. 12.3 grams. Certified genuine by American Appraisal Institute; signed certificate is adhered to reverse of f
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,200.00 - 2,400.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
California Gold Nugget 9.8 Grams in Presentation Frame w/COA [159489]2063 - California Gold Nugget 9.8 Grams in Presentation Frame w/COA [159489]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
California Gold Rush genuine gold nugget. 9.8 grams. Certified natural and authentic by American Appraisal Institute. Signed appraisal certificate aff
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 800.00 - 1,600.00
Sold to o********v.. for (500.00 + 100.00BP) = 600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
California Gold Nugget 6.7 Grams in Presentation Frame w/COA [159490]2064 - California Gold Nugget 6.7 Grams in Presentation Frame w/COA [159490]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
California Gold Rush genuine gold nugget. 6.7 grams. Certified natural and authentic by American Appraisal Institute. Signed appraisal certificate aff
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 600.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to j******n for (400.00 + 80.00BP) = 480.00
 
Details...Bookmark
California Crystalline Native Gold on Quartz Matrix -Nearly 2 Pounds! [141538]2065 - California Crystalline Native Gold on Quartz Matrix -Nearly 2 Pounds! [141538]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Crystalline native gold on white quartz matrix. Weighs 29.4 a.v.d. ounces or 26.8 troy ounces gross weight. The heavy weight of this piece suggests
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 26,000.00 - 40,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
California Crystalline Native Gold on Quartz Matrix - 14.7 avd ozs. [159492]2066 - California Crystalline Native Gold on Quartz Matrix - 14.7 avd ozs. [159492]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nearly One Pound! Crystalline native gold on white quartz matrix. Weighs 14.74 ounces (avd) or 13.43 Troy ounces gross weight, possibly 50% in pure
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 15,000.00 - 30,000.00
Sold to r**4 for (11,500.00 + 2,300.00BP) = 13,800.00
 
Details...Bookmark
California Gold in Quartz Watch Chain -- Exemplary [151585]2067 - California Gold in Quartz Watch Chain -- Exemplary [151585]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Beautiful California gold quartz watch chain. Overall length 13.5". Seven 1-5/16 gold quartz segments attached by a circular gold ring at each...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,000.00 - 11,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Mariposa Gold Quartz Nugget [160067]2068 - Mariposa Gold Quartz Nugget [160067]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gold quartz nugget with red iron stain typical of the area. 80% by weight gold. 3.24 troy oz. total. Date: Country (if not USA): State: Californ
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 2,000.00 - 3,500.00
Sold to w**********e for (2,700.00 + 540.00BP) = 3,240.00
 
Details...Bookmark
California 16 to 1 Mine Crystalline Gold on Quartz [160122]2069 - California 16 to 1 Mine Crystalline Gold on Quartz [160122]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nice crystalline gold on quartz from the 16 to 1 Mine in Sierra County. 10.7 grams total weight. Date: Country (if not USA): State: California C
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,000.00 | Estimate : 2,000.00 - 4,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Custom Gold Leopard Necklace with Diamonds, Emeralds [122814]2070 - Custom Gold Leopard Necklace with Diamonds, Emeralds [122814]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Ornate 14kt gold necklace with diamond bands and emerald eyes in a spotted leopard sitting on the bottom rung of a 17 piece articulated necklace, with
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 7,500.00 - 15,000.00
Sold to m********H for (6,250.00 + 1,250.00BP) = 7,500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Original CDV of the Famous Fricot Gold Nugget & Three California Gold Ingots [158074]2071 - Original CDV of the Famous Fricot Gold Nugget & Three California Gold Ingots [158074]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This photograph is arguably one of the most important historical artifacts for ingot collectors. It is so important for ingot research because it a pe
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 1,500.00 | Estimate : 3,000.00 - 5,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Nevada Ore Specimen Collection [158907]2072 - Nevada Ore Specimen Collection [158907]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nevada Ore Specimen Collection, Most with Old Labels An old ore specimen collection from a house in Jack’s Valley, Nevada. Most with orig
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to B*****n for (700.00 + 140.00BP) = 840.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Dendritic Silver Specimen [159493]2073 - Dendritic Silver Specimen [159493]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Dendritic Silver Specimen 40mm x 25mm. 9.6 grams. Beautiful branching dendritic formation with fern like, leaf-shaped crystals. Sometimes referred
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to s***o for (500.00 + 100.00BP) = 600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Lost Treasure Mining Company Stock Certificate, Number 1 [155416]2074 - Lost Treasure Mining Company Stock Certificate, Number 1 [155416]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Great name! Very rare; we have no record of listing this in the last 10 years. Location: Tucson Mining District, Pima County, Arizona Territory (print
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 150.00 | Estimate : 300.00 - 400.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
Herbertville Quartz Mining Company Stock Certificate [155378]2075 - Herbertville Quartz Mining Company Stock Certificate [155378]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Gold Rush-era Amador County! No. 63, issued for one share to WP Jones on April 2nd, 1855 in Herbertville. Signed by president BG John and secretary Sa
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to C*****r for (250.00 + 50.00BP) = 300.00
 
Details...Bookmark
American River, Water & Mining Co. Stock Group, Gold Rush Era [155369]2076 - American River, Water & Mining Co. Stock Group, Gold Rush Era [155369]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Lot of 4: three stocks and a Water Collector's Weekly report. The American River Water and Mining Company was formed in 1854 to build a ditch to...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to F********e.. for (275.00 + 55.00BP) = 330.00
 
Details...Bookmark