Unique 1854 New Orleans Gold Coin Returns Home
Historic sunken treasure is finally back in The Big Easy after a 167-year journey from the California Gold Rush, an arduous railroad trip across Panama, and being submerged more than 7,000 feet underwater when the S.S. Central America sank in 1857
(New Orleans, Louisiana) June 1, 2021 – A unique, sunken treasure gold coin that made its way from New Orleans to the California Gold Rush and then to the Panama railroad before going down with a famous ship has now come home to The Big Easy for the public to see.
It left the United States Mint branch in New Orleans 167 years ago, and for 157 of those years it was submerged on the floor of the Atlanta Ocean as part of America’s greatest lost treasure.
“This historic coin is an 1854 Liberty Head Quarter Eagle struck at the New Orleans Mint and was later counterstamped by California merchant J.L. Polhemus. It was among the sunken treasure recovered in 2014 from the fabled ‘Ship of Gold,’ the S.S. Central America, that sank in a hurricane in 1857 while sailing to New York,” explained Bruce Smith, Director of Numismatics at M.S. Rau Fine Art, Antiques and Jewels (www.RauAntiques.com).
“It is the only gold coin of this denomination known with the advertising counterstamp mark of Polhemus, a Gold Rush-era pharmacist in Sacramento, California. He made so-called store cards with various other coins in circulation at the time. When this particular gold coin was made in 1854 its face value was $2.50. Today, it’s a New Orleans treasure and insured for $65,000 for its first visit home in over a century and a half,” said Smith.
The coin, graded PCGS XF45, is on public display at the Rau gallery, 630 Royal St. in New Orleans, Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 5:15 pm. Admission is free.
Scientist Bob Evans, who was on the successful S.S. Central America recovery missions, told PCGS Rare Coin Market Report Price Guide Magazine, the counterstamped 1854-O Quarter Eagle he discovered while examining treasure retrieved in 2014, is one of his favorite coins.
“That coin was made in New Orleans at a time when the New Orleans Mint may well have been using California gold to mint coins. Gold Rush gold got around back then! So, then this coin made its way all the way to Sacramento, where a shopkeeper hammered his name on it. And then, somehow, it made it on to the S.S. Central America, and then, somehow, we brought it back up 150 years later, a couple of hundred miles from North Carolina. That’s just a great story! An example of a great, full-circle journey,” Evans stated.
The S.S. Central America was a 280-foot long, three-masted side-wheel steamship carrying tons of California gold when she sank on September 12, 1857 hurricane during the cargo’s final leg of the voyage from Aspinwall (now Colón), Panama to New York City. The tragedy took the lives of 420 of the ship’s 578 passengers and crew members and the loss of the gold cargo was a major factor in the economically devastating financial panic of 1857 in the United States.
When the S.S. Central America site was discovered in 1988 on the seafloor of the Atlantic, 7200 feet down about 150 miles off the North Carolina coast, Life magazine proclaimed it “America’s greatest treasure.”
For additional information, contact M.S. Rau at 888-557-2406 or visit online at www.RauAntiques.com.
The Royal Mint places The Who centre stage on a new range of collectable coins
The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has today launched a new range of collectable coins celebrating the iconic British band – The Who. To celebrate the launch of the coin, co-founder and lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey, visited The Royal Mint to strike one of the very first coins, giving the band’s seal of approval on the new coin and its design.
The Who collectable coin is the fourth in The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ series, and follows coins in honour of Queen, Elton John and David Bowie. The coin’s dynamic design includes some of the most iconic symbols from the band’s live and loud performances – including a union flag, Mod logo and speaker-smashing Rickenbacker guitar. Together, the symbols on the coin form a pinball table, a nod to the single Pinball Wizard and album Tommy, one of the band’s most famous creations. With the latest colour printing technology, elements of the coin have been digitally printed to showcase the vibrant red, white and blue of the band’s emblem.
Using the latest innovative technology and manufacturing techniques, a number of coins will feature a special ‘shockwave’ effect, radiating from the speaker – elevating the detail of the coin. Designers and craftspeople at the Mint have developed this effect in honour of The Who’s record-breaking loud concert – a record that was held for a decade.
Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said, “The Who are an iconic British band with an incredible musical legacy, so it felt right to honour them with an official UK coin. The Who coin is the latest in our show stopping Music Legends series, which celebrates legendary British artists through original new designs. It was a privilege to have Roger Daltrey visit the Mint to strike one of the first coins and meet the team of makers that have created this wonderful design. Our Music Legends series is engaging new generations of coin collectors, and we hope this design will become a cherished part of fan’s memorabilia.”
Roger Daltrey, Co-founder and Lead Singer of The Who said, “It’s an honour to have a coin produced to celebrate The Who’s musical legacy. The coin’s design captures the true essence of the band and what we represent. It was a fantastic moment being able to strike one of the very first pieces in the collection and see the range of technologies and processes involved in the making of the coin.”
Pete Townshend, Lead Guitarist of The Who said, “I am delighted that the band’s work is being recognised by this fantastic range of coins from The Royal Mint.”
The Who began with three schoolboys who all shared a love of music, from jazz and skiffle, to rock and rhythm & blues. The band was initially made up of John Entwistle, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and later joined by Keith Moon. With a musical legacy spanning more than 50 years, and an impressive record of a 100 million albums sold worldwide, over a billion global streams, members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame, the BRIT and GRAMMY Award winning, The Who, are considered by many today as ‘The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World’.
Brought together by The Royal Mint and Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading merchandise and brand management company, The Who coin is available as limited-edition precious metal proof editions as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition. The Brilliant Uncirculated coin is also available in colour exclusive to The Royal Mint. View the full collection on The Royal Mint’s website www.royalmint.com/the-who.
| Coin title | The Who 2021 UK Quarter-Ounce Gold Proof Coin | The Who 2021 UK One Ounce Gold Proof Coin | The Who 2021 UK Two Ounce Gold Proof Coin | The Who 2021 UK Five Ounce Gold Proof Coin | The Who 2021 UK Kilo Gold Proof Coin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denomination | £25 | £100 | £200 | £500 | £1,000 |
| Issuing Authority | UK | UK | UK | UK | UK |
| Alloy | 999.9 Au Fine Gold | 999.9 Au Fine Gold | 999.9 Au Fine Gold | 999.9 Au Fine Gold | 999 Au Fine Gold |
| Weight | 7.80g | 31.21g | 62.42g | 156.295g | 1005.00g |
| Diameter | 22.00mm | 32.69mm | 40.00mm | 50.00mm | 100.00mm |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | Jody Clark |
| Reverse Designer | Henry Gray | Henry Gray | Henry Gray | Henry Gray | Henry Gray |
| Quality | Proof | Proof | Proof | Proof | Proof |
| Edge Lettering | – | – | – | – | Laser Edge Lettering |
| Additional Features | – | – | Shockwave effect | Shockwave effect | Shockwave effect |
| Maximum Coin Mintage | 1010 | 360 | 150 | 64 | 12 |
| RRP | £595.00 | £2,315.00 | £4,530.00 | £11,225.00 | £68,380.00 |
| Coin title | The Who 2021 UK Quarter-Ounce Silver Proof Coin | The Who 2021 UK One Ounce Silver Proof Coin | The Who 2021 UK Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin | The Who 2021 UK Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denomination | £1 | £2 | £5 | £10 |
| Issuing Authority | UK | UK | UK | UK |
| Alloy | 999 Ag Fine Silver | 999 Ag Fine Silver | 999 Ag Fine Silver | 999 Ag Fine Silver |
| Weight | 15.71g | 31.21g | 62.42g | 156.295g |
| Diameter | 27.00mm | 38.61mm | 40.00mm | 65.00mm |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | Jody Clark | Jody Clark |
| Reverse Designer | Henry Gray | Henry Gray | Henry Gray | Henry Gray |
| Quality | Proof | Proof | Proof | Proof |
| Edge Lettering | – | PINBALL WIZZARD | – | – |
| Additional Features | – | – | Shockwave effect | Shockwave effect |
| Maximum Coin Mintage | 10,010 | 8110 | 550 | 500 |
| RRP | £65.00 | £97.50 | £195.00 | £520.00 |
| Coin title | The Who 2021 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin | The Who 2021 UK £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Coin – Colour |
|---|---|---|
| Denomination | £5 | £5 |
| Issuing Authority | UK | UK |
| Alloy | Cupro-Nickel | Cupro-Nickel |
| Weight | 28.28g | 28.28g |
| Diameter | 38.61mm | 38.61mm |
| Obverse Designer | Jody Clark | Jody Clark |
| Reverse Designer | Henry Gray | Henry Gray |
| Quality | Brilliant Uncirculated | Brilliant Uncirculated |
| Edge Lettering | – | – |
| Additional Features | – | Colour |
| Limited Edition Presentation | Unlimited | 10,000 |
| RRP | £13.00 | £22.50 |
S.S. Central America Sunken Treasure World Gold Coins in Goldberg Auction
First offering of these historic coins retrieved in 2014 from Atlantic Ocean site where fabled “Ship of Gold” sank in 1857
(Los Angeles, CA) May 19, 2021 – Two of the finest known, very rare 1855 and 1856 Australian sovereigns as well as an interesting mix of 74 other sunken treasure gold coins from Europe and South America that were also recovered from the fabled “Ship of Gold,” the S.S. Central America, will be offered in an auction by Goldberg Coins & Collectibles (www.GoldbergCoin.com). The auction will be conducted in Los Angeles and online, June 13-16, 2021.
“These 76 gold pieces were among 82 world gold coins retrieved during the 2014 recovery expedition to the Atlantic Ocean site where the legendary ship sank during a hurricane while sailing to New York City in 1857,” said Larry Goldberg, co-owner of the auction company. “This is the first time these recovered sunken treasure coins from Australia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, France, Great, Britain, Netherlands, Peru, and Spain have been offered.”
The Australian 1855 Sydney Mint gold Sovereign, Fr-9; KM-2, now graded PCGS MS-62+, was made during the first year of that mint’s operations. An 1856 Sydney Mint Sovereign, Fr-9; KM-2, now graded PCGS AU-58, also was incredibly recovered.
Photo credit: Lyle Engelson/ Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
“It is fascinating to think how these coins got to San Francisco where their journey to New York began. Were they carried by an Aussie miner seeking his fortune during the California Gold Rush or acquired as winnings in a gold camp poker game? Those two coins were onboard when the SS Central America went down 164 years ago,” said Dwight Manley, managing partner of the California Gold Marketing Group which consigned the 76 recovered world gold coins to the Goldberg auction.
Among the other especially notable world coins recovered in 2014 and in the auction are:
- Great Britain 1852 Queen Victoria Sovereign, S.3852D; Fr-387e; KM-736.1, PCGS MS-63+;
- Great Britain 1855 Queen Victoria Sovereign, S.3852D; Fr-387e; KM-736.1, PCGS MS-62;
- Costa Rica 1855 JB 1/2 Escudo, Fr-10; KM-97, PCGS MS-63;
- France 1855-A Napoleon III 20 Francs, Fr-573; KM-781.1, PCGS MS-61;
- Netherlands 1840 (Utrecht) King Willem I 10 Gulden, Fr-327; KM-56, PCGS MS=63+; and
- Spain King Ferdinand VII 1809 (Seville) Draped Bust 2 Escudos, Fr-304a; KM-456.1, PCGS AU-50, the oldest-dated gold piece recovered from the famous ship
Each of the PCGS-certified world coins is encapsulated in a specially-produced and labeled holder that contains a pinch of recovered S.S. Central America gold dust in a separate compartment. The insert labels include a statement of authenticity hand-signed by Bob Evans, the chief scientist on the 1988-1991 missions that first located and recovered portions of the fabulous treasure and assisted with the 2014 recovery. Evans wrote the introduction to the auction catalog’s section on these coins.
Photo credit: Lyle Engelson/ Goldberg Coins & Collectibles
“The S.S. Central America treasure is a remarkable time capsule of economic practices in 1857, representing a specific, important moment in United States and world history: the outflow of wealth from Gold Rush California along the commercial artery that was the Panama Route… The treasure illustrates that world gold coins were an integral part of California and international trade during this exciting decade of burgeoning commerce in the 1850s,” explained Evans.
The S.S. Central America was a 280-foot long, three-masted side-wheel steamship carrying tons of California gold that had been shipped from San Francisco to Panama when she sank on September 12, 1857 hurricane during the final leg of a voyage from Aspinwall (now Colón), Panama to New York City. The tragedy took the lives of 420 of the ship’s 578 passengers and crew members, and the loss of the gold cargo was a major factor in the economically devastating financial panic of 1857 in the United States.
The treasure was recovered from the seafloor of the Atlantic, 7200 feet down about 150 miles off the North Carolina coast.
For additional information about the auction, contact Goldberg Coins and Collectibles by phone at (310) 551-2646, by email at info@GoldbergCoins.com and online at www.GoldbergCoins.com.
YN Scholarships for 1st Coin University Program in San Francisco
Witter Coin Co. offers opportunity for 13-to-21 year-old scholarship recipients to learn from professionals and get hands-experience at a major coin store
(San Francisco, CA) May 17, 2021 – Scholarship applications are now being accepted from young numismatists, ages 13 to 21, for the first Coin University program in San Francisco, California, July 24-31, 2021. As many as 25 all-expense scholarships will be awarded by the Witter Coin Scholarship Fund (www.WitterCoinFund.com) and will include expenses for a parent or guardian to accompany any winners under the age of 18.
“The past year of the pandemic has kept many young collectors’ hobby activities limited to social media and other online resources. The Coin University project will give them hands-on experience and expand their knowledge in grading and authentication of U.S., world and ancient coins and other topics from an all-star team of veteran numismatists,” explained Seth Chandler, the owner and chief numismatist at Witter Coin Co. in San Francisco.
“The YNs will be able to meet other young collectors in person, have classroom instruction, enjoy a numismatic field trip of San Francisco and also get the experience of actually being behind the counter in a major coin store. We want to encourage them along with their coin collecting journey,” Chandler added.
Classes and accommodations will be at the Marriott Hotel at the famous Fisherman’s Wharf and the internship experience will be at the nearby Witter Coin Co. store at 2299 Lombard St.
In addition to Chandler, the five days of Coin University classes will be taught by:
- John Brush, president of David Lawrence Rare Coins in Virginia Beach, Virginia, chairman of the National Coin & Bullion Association (formerly the Industry Council for Tangible Assets), and a member of the Professional Numismatists Guild Board of Directors;
- Numismatist Steve Feltner, director of Numismatic Education and Outreach at Professional Coin Grading Service in Santa Ana, California;
- Dr. Kevin Kaufman co-founder of Choice Numismatics in Clovis, California;
- Devin Hipp of Devin Hipp Enterprises LLC in Virginia Beach, Virginia;
- David McCarthy, senior numismatist and researcher at Kagin’s in Tiburon, California; and
- Jim Stoutjesdyk, vice president of Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas and recipient of a Doctor of Numismatics honorary degree from the American Numismatic Association.
The planned 25 scholarships are being funded by donations to the Witter Coin Scholarship Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Information about the Coin University program and how to apply for consideration of a scholarship can be found at www.WitterCoinFund.com. The website also has information about how to donate to the scholarship program. Prospective applicants and donors can also call Witter Coin at (415) 781-5690.
Presenters Wanted for 2021 World’s Fair of Money
The annual American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money® is considered the biggest week of the year for collectors of coins, paper money, tokens and medals. The event features expansive educational forums led by notable speakers sharing their numismatic expertise, including the Sundman Lecture Series Symposium and Money Talks.
The ANA is currently accepting applications from members to present during the World’s Fair of Money at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, Aug. 10-14.
Sundman Lecture Series Symposium
This year’s Sundman Lecture Series presentation topic is “Big, Bold and Beautiful – Coins that have stood out over the ages.” Since the invention of coinage, certain coins have stood out for their beauty, their bold design or their sheer size. This year’s Sundman lecture submissions should be based on the history behind big, bold and beautiful coins.
Submission Guidelines
Individuals interested in speaking at the symposium should submit a summary, not to exceed 500 words. Each summary should contain an introduction, a brief discussion of the subject, and sources and research method. Electronic submissions are preferred, but not required. Email presentation summaries to ackerman@money.org or mail to:
c/o Jennifer Ackerman
818 N. Cascade Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
The deadline for submissions is June 4. Summaries will be reviewed and speakers are chosen by a panel based on originality, persuasiveness and relevance to the symposium topic. Papers that emphasize new research and scholarship will be prioritized. Presenters will be notified by June 18.
Proceedings from the symposium will be published on the ANA website (money.org). Presenters must provide an electronic copy and paper printout of their papers prior to the symposium. Selected presenters will receive a $250 honorarium.
Attend the Symposium
Free and open to all attendees of the World’s Fair of Money, the Sundman Lecture Series Symposium will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
For questions regarding the Sundman Lecture Series, email Jennifer Ackerman at ackerman@money.org or call (719) 482-9839.
Money Talks
Numismatists are invited to share their expertise, ideas and research with fellow hobbyists during a 30- to 45-minute Money Talks presentation. Previous presentations have included such topics as “Siege Notes: The Currency of War,” “Strategies to Dispose of Your Collection” and “Curious Currency of the World.”
Submission Guidelines
Submit proposals and a brief biography online at money.org/numismatic-events/money-talks or email sgelberd@money.org. Presentations should be accompanied by digital images. Proposals are due by May 21.
Attend the Talks
Free and open to all attendees of the World’s Fair of Money, Money Talks will take place Thursday and Friday, Aug. 12 and 13 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
For any questions regarding Money Talks, email Sam Gelberd at sgelberd@money.org or call (719) 482-9846.
Support the Coin Collectors Blog
Buy me a coffee
Thank you for your support!
Recent Blog Posts
- POLL: Are you ready for the World’s Fair of Money August 8, 2022
- Weekly World Numismatic News for August 7, 2022 August 7, 2022
- 2024 Commemorative Coin Programs are Set August 6, 2022
- Do you believe that Congress is actually doing something! August 1, 2022
- Weekly World Numismatic News for July 31, 2022 August 1, 2022