AUCTION  / 

Treasure Trove of Rarities: Coin & Shipwreck Treasure Auction (April 2023)

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

Auction Details

The Curtains are Drawn! Open up the Light!

That’s Right!

Two great companies are joining forces, using their combined 75 years of exceptional experience to present to you an auction of some of the Finest Known Treasure and Numismatic rarities!

This one-day special auction presents an excellent sample of rarities in various treasure classes: SS Central America; SS Republic; Private “Territorial” gold coins; treasured Morgan dollars; ancient coins and more.
Both of our companies specialize in treasures. Everyone is fascinated by treasure – whether it is a gold coin found in your own backyard; in a clay pot full of mint state ancient coins; artifacts and coins from the ocean floor, or in a long-held private collection. It’s all treasure!

Now we can bring these treasures to you directly at auction. Finest Known, LLC has specialized in numismatics for decades and is the leader in sales of SS Central America material since about 2002, having sold nearly every gold ingot from the Ship of Gold – some of them sold many times over! They are known the world over for their professionalism and education of rare numismatics. The backgrounds and experience of our two companies fit hand in glove and work together to bring you very special items at auction. What everyone witnessed with the SS Central America artifact auctions now comes into play for this select group of treasure and numismatic items.

SS Central America Treasures
The items up for auction from the 1857 SSCA are nothing short of astounding. In the numismatics portion, are several important pieces: a striking 1857-S $20 with deep golden red patina known as the “Golden Gate” coin. This coin is so stunning in appearance, reminiscent of the fabled sunsets at the Golden Gate, that SSCA Chief Scientist Bob Evans refused to conserve the coin and remove the fabulous coloration. It is one of a small handful of coins that were “left alone” because of their beautiful appearance.

A key new discovery is a group of three daguerreotype and ambrotype photographs in their original cases of the D. O. Mills family inclusive of newlyweds Addie and Ansel Easton, thought to be taken by San Francisco photographer Robert H. Vance upon their return from the East after the SS Central America disaster, in which both Eastons were rescued, though by different ships at different times, such that for some time, neither knew if the other survived. It is the only such surviving photograph and has never been published.

Other SS Central America treasures include very rare coins of numerous denominations found in various passenger “coin piles” out in debris fields on the ocean floor, as well as key items from the Gold Room, inclusive of a 13 troy ounce Kellogg & Humbert gold ingot.

SS Republic
The SS Republic treasure of 1865 offers several of the fine $20 gold coins and several of the half dollars. Certainly one of the key pieces is a counterstamped half dollar with “TN” and “1861” separately stamped into the obverse and reverse. This coin tells the story of the difficult and conflicting politics of the people of Tennessee in 1861 at the onset of the Civil War. As the last state to enter the Confederacy, Tennesseans were strong, outspoken people about their politics during those first months of the Civil War, which is emphasized by this unique half dollar.

Gold Rush Rarities
Very rare, low mintage US gold coins, particularly US type 1 $20 gold coins from 1850 to 1860. A spectacular rarity is a Baldwin 1851 $10 in mint state, one of only a very few known. The collection is supplemented by other rarities including one of the very rare 1911-D low denomination gold coins.

Ancient Treasures
Every collector and every kid gets thrilled thinking about ancient coins. They are a true treasure, and the information and history behind them is another treasure trove. We have a great variety of nearly 100 different silver and gold coins of the ancient period.

Modern Treasures
Modern treasures include many of the 2000 millennium specialty US gold coins in Mint State and Proof 70, the highest grade possible - coins that grade a true “perfect.”

Enjoy the ride, and explore these auction offerings!

Fred Holabird & Adam Crum



"Treasure Trove of Rarities" Auction, April 29th, 2023, Table of Contents

Ancient Coins (Lots 1000-1048)
Foreign Coins (Lots 1049-1056)
US Coins & Ephemera (Sorted by Denomination, then Mint) (Lots 1057-1135)
Pennies
Half Dollars
Morgan Dollars
Carson City Mint
New Orleans Mint
Philadelphia Mint
San Francisco Mint
$5 Gold
$10 Gold
$25 Gold
$50 Gold
Misc. Numismatics
Treasure Coins & Ingot (Lots 1136-1164)
SS Central America Treasure (Lots 1136-1158)
SS Republic Treasure (Lots 1159-1164)
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
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California Gold Rush History, Q. D. Bowers, Special Edition, S.S. Central America [166179]1137 - California Gold Rush History, Q. D. Bowers, Special Edition, S.S. Central America [166179]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
California Gold Rush History, Q.D. Bowers, Special Edition, S.S. Central America. Published 2002. Contains placer gold in see-thru plastic embedded in
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 500.00 - 2,000.00
Sold to M******9 for 1,500.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Framed Gold as Treasure From the S.S. Central America [166199]1138 - Framed Gold as Treasure From the S.S. Central America [166199]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Framed Gold as Treasure From the S.S. Central America. 22 x 18" gold framed history of the S.S. Central America with three small gold nuggets w...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 400.00 - 600.00
Sold to R********3 for 510.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Five Troy ounces of Placer Gold from the S.S. Central America, 1857 [166178]1139 - Five Troy ounces of Placer Gold from the S.S. Central America, 1857 [166178]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Five Troy ounces of Placer Gold from the S.S. Central America, 1857 in a custom hard shell plastic holder made specifically for marketing of this uniq
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 12,000.00 - 17,500.00
Sold to R********3 for 16,200.00
 
Details...Bookmark
Placer Gold Dust from Sotheby's 2000 SSCA Sale [166062]1140 - Placer Gold Dust from Sotheby's 2000 SSCA Sale [166062]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approximately ten grams of placer gold dust in the original Sotheby's clear plastic box (2" x 2" x 1/2") with the original Sotheb...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 700.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for 1,680.00
 
Details...Bookmark
S.S. Central America 1845 Chile Peso [165459]1141 - S.S. Central America 1845 Chile Peso [165459]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
PCGS certified S.S. Central America 1845SO Chile Peso with shipwreck effect. From the Pascual Esquerra Hoard. Pascual Esquerra was a Chilean and Span
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 300.00 - 600.00
Sold to R********3 for 480.00
 
Details...Bookmark
S.S. Central America 1855 Chile 50c [165451]1142 - S.S. Central America 1855 Chile 50c [165451]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
NGC certified S.S. Central America 1855 Chile 50c, shipwreck effect. From the Pascual Esquerra shipment contained in the Gold Room, which constituted
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to a******a for 510.00
 
Details...Bookmark
S.S. Central America BG-107 Cal Fractional & Gold Dust [165455]1143 - S.S. Central America BG-107 Cal Fractional & Gold Dust [165455]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1856 Cal Fractional 25 cent piece (BG-107) PCGS certified MS63, housed with one pinch of California Gold Dust and certified by Bob Evans, chief scient
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 4,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to j*********k for 3,000.00
 
Details...Bookmark
25 Cent Gold, BG 221, MS62, Pinch Gold, SS Central America Treasure [166277]1144 - 25 Cent Gold, BG 221, MS62, Pinch Gold, SS Central America Treasure [166277]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
25 Cent Gold, BG 221, PCGS MS62, Pinch Gold, SS Central America Treasure. This was the only BG 221 found on the entire SS Cental America project. Ther
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 500.00 | Estimate : 1,000.00 - 5,000.00
 
 
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1853 50 cent Gold Fractional, BG430, MS61, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166200]1145 - 1853 50 cent Gold Fractional, BG430, MS61, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166200]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1853 50 cent Gold Fractional, BG430, PCGS MS61, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure. Five of these BG 430 coins were found in various unspecified
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to g******n for 2,640.00
 
Details...Bookmark
S.S. Central America BG-406 Cal Fractional & Gold Dust [165457]1146 - S.S. Central America BG-406 Cal Fractional & Gold Dust [165457]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
An outstanding rarity! PCGS certified MS64+: 1855 50 cent Cal Fractional gold piece, BG-406. With one pinch of California Gold Dust, certified by Bob
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 10,000.00
Sold to w**********e for 4,560.00
 
Details...Bookmark
S.S. Central America 1843-O small date, $2.50 Gold & Gold Dust [165458]1147 - S.S. Central America 1843-O small date, $2.50 Gold & Gold Dust [165458]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
PCGS graded F12 1843-O $2.50 gold piece (small date) with one pinch of California Gold Dust certified by Bob Evans, chief scientist of the recovery cr
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to g******n for 3,120.00
 
Details...Bookmark
1843 $2.50, XF40, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166276]1148 - 1843 $2.50, XF40, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166276]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1843 $2.50, PCGS XF40, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure. There only five 1843-O US $2.50 coins found in passenger gold in the debris field. Thi
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,500.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to g******n for 3,000.00
 
Details...Bookmark
1847-O $2.50, VF35, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166275]1149 - 1847-O $2.50, VF35, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166275]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1847-O $2.50, PCGS VF35, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure. Four of these coins were found in the passenger money in various coin piles in the d
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 3,000.00
Sold to g******n for 3,480.00
 
Details...Bookmark
1850 $2.50, XF40, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166278]1150 - 1850 $2.50, XF40, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166278]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1850 $2.50, PCGS XF40, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure. Fifteen of these coins were found in the passenger gold in the debris field. The $2.50
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to m****y for 3,360.00
 
Details...Bookmark
S.S. Central America 1851-O, $2.50 Gold & Gold Dust [165456]1151 - S.S. Central America 1851-O, $2.50 Gold & Gold Dust [165456]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
PCGS certified VF 25: 1851-O $2.50 gold piece with one pinch of California Gold Dust signed by Bob Evans, Chief Scientist on the S.S. Central America
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 3,000.00 - 6,000.00
Sold to g******n for 3,600.00
 
Details...Bookmark
1852 $2.50, AU 58, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166279]1152 - 1852 $2.50, AU 58, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166279]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1852 $2.50, PCGS AU 58, Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure. This is another workhorse gold coin from the early part of the gold rush, probably co
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 1,000.00 - 5,000.00
Sold to c**a for 3,960.00
 
Details...Bookmark
1856-S $2.50, MS61, with Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166273]1153 - 1856-S $2.50, MS61, with Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure [166273]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1856-S $2.50, MS61, with Gold Pinch, SS Central America Treasure. A number of 1856-S coins were recovered from coin piles as passenger money from the
Bidding Has Concluded
Start Price : 3,500.00 | Estimate : 7,000.00 - 10,000.00
 
 
Details...Bookmark
1857-S $2.50 Gold, MS61, & A Pinch, S.S. Central America Treasure [166262]1154 - 1857-S $2.50 Gold, MS61, & A Pinch, S.S. Central America Treasure [166262]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
PCGS MS 61, gold shield holder. PCGS Population 15; Pop Higher: 10. Included is One Pinch of California Gold Dust certified by Bob Evans, chief scient
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 6,000.00 - 8,000.00
Sold to g******n for 5,880.00
 
Details...Bookmark
1855-S US $5, AU55, with "One Pinch" of gold dust [166175]1155 - 1855-S US $5, AU55, with "One Pinch" of gold dust [166175]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1855-S US $5, PCGS AU55, S.S. Central America, with "One Pinch" of gold dust. Exceptional low mintage of 61,000 coins. This coin is one o...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 5,500.00 - 7,500.00
Sold to g******n for 5,520.00
 
Details...Bookmark
1857-S US $5, MS63, Pinch of Gold, S.S. Central America [166176]1156 - 1857-S US $5, MS63, Pinch of Gold, S.S. Central America [166176]
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1857-S US $5, PCGS MS63, with a "Pinch of Gold," S.S. Central America. Stunning, fully lustrous mint state, brand spanking new 1857-S from...
Bidding Has Concluded
Estimate : 20,000.00 - 30,000.00
Sold to g******n for 23,400.00
 
Details...Bookmark