Small Change on the Ship of Gold: SS Central America Shipwreck

Presenters: Bob Evans and Aman Shah

The treasure of the SS Central America shipwreck (sank Sept. 12, 1857) is mostly known for its large, historical gold bars and boxes of Double Eagles. But an important story lies within the money of smaller denominations, the California Fractional Currency, the silver coinage, and the lower denomination gold, some of it found in spectacular mint-state condition. This NumismaTalk will explore the occurrence and distribution of this “small change” on the shipwreck site, and show how the numismatics illustrates this singular period in the nation’s history, the California Gold Rush, and the changing face of American money in the mid-19th century.