SS Central America 1.61–1.90-Gram Gold Nugget 3-pc Set

Authentic California Gold Rush Nuggets Recovered From Historic “Ship of Gold”

It’s estimated that more than 370 tons of gold was discovered in the first five years of the Rush — about $16 billion in today’s market. As prospectors continued to discover their fortunes, some of that gold traveled East — across the Great Plains, and by ship. Unfortunately, some of the gold sent by sea never arrived... and thanks to an incredible discovery, you can now hold a genuine California Gold Rush Nugget in your hands!

The Wreck of the “Ship of Gold”

On September 12, 1857, the SS Central America sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean 160 miles offshore from Charleston, South Carolina. The vessel was known as the “Ship of Gold.” And for good reason! The Central America earned her nickname not for her splendor or decorations, but from her famous cargo: tons of gold coins, as well as raw nuggets from the California Gold Rush. When she went down, the Central America took with her an amount of gold that would be valued today at $300,000,000. That’s 300 million dollars! But it wouldn’t be recovered for at least 131 years.

The Recovery of the SS Central America

In 1988, more than 7,000 gold coins were recovered from the wreck, making it a household name among collectors. But it would be another 25 years until the greatest discovery among the wreckage of the Central America would be located and recovered using an unmanned submersible. Located 8,000 feet down, a recovery crew located something incredible: the ship’s safe, still closed! The rusty hinges gave way, and inside was a leather saddlebag, still tightly wrapped in leather straps as it had been when it was placed there in 1857. Inside were a number of small pouches, or “pokes” containing hundreds of gold nuggets that had come straight from the California Gold Rush! After more than 163 years, that gold is now ready for a new home — yours!

Gold Nuggets from the California Gold Fields

These Gold Rush Nuggets represent what may be the most direct connection with the California Gold Rush ever found. Discovered in a saddlebag stashed away in the purser’s safe of the Central America, these nuggets were on their way from California to the East Coast. We may never see their like again! This three-piece set contains nuggets weighing between 1.61 and 1.90 grams each of American California Gold Rush gold. No two are alike! Plus, each unique nugget has been authenticated, encapsulated and pedigreed by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Tour set will come displayed in a beautiful presentation case along with a detailed storybook on the California Gold Rush and this incredible discovery.

Own a piece of actual California Gold Rush Gold with this three-piece set of gold nuggets recovered from the shipwreck of the SS Central America. Secure your historic gold nuggets now!