SS Central America Shipwreck Gold Bar 15.09 oz. Kellogg & Humbert Faceplate

This remarkable faceplate was recovered from the legendary SS Central America shipwreck, which sank in 1857 during a hurricane off the Carolina coast while carrying California Gold Rush treasure to New York. Cut from one of approximately 60 Kellogg & Humbert gold ingots before they were used to make restrikes of the Humbert $50 slug commemorative, this piece represents one of the most significant maritime treasure recoveries in history.

The faceplate displays clear impressed markings in vertical format, with three elements bunched at the top: serial number "828" at the highest position, followed by the boxed "KELLOGG / & / HUMBERT / ASSAYERS" logo, and weight "233.91 Oz." Near the middle appears the purity marking "908 FINE," uncommonly high for the time period. Two-thirds of the way down toward the bottom is the value expressed in 1857 terms: "$4,390.49." An assayer's cut is visible at the lower right corner, where the original bar was tested for purity in the 1850s.

The physical dimensions measure 173 mm x 73 mm x 3 mm. Despite the relatively thin 3 mm thickness, this faceplate maintains rigidity and substantial heft in-hand. The yellow-gold surfaces exhibit bubbles and curves from the original casting process, while the characteristic patination from over a century underwater adds authentication to its shipwreck provenance. The originality and distinctive coloring make it highly collectible among gold and Gold Rush enthusiasts.

The partnership of J.G. Kellogg and Augustus Humbert was the most reputable assaying firm in Gold Rush-era California. Kellogg & Humbert ingots represented 65% of the SS Central America treasure, confirming their prominence among San Francisco assayers of the mid-1850s. The recovery of the SS Central America yielded over 532 gold ingots and illuminated previously unknown aspects of California Gold Rush assayer history, providing researchers unique opportunities to study characteristics never before recorded. This faceplate is encapsulated and authenticated as genuine SS Central America treasure, making it an exceptionally rare piece of American maritime and Gold Rush history.