California Gold Rush Coin Sold for $354,375
A rare 1852 coin from the Gold Rush era fetched over $350,000 at a recent auction.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Collecting
Live Poll
Do you believe purchasing rare historical artifacts is a smart long-term investment for your portfolio?
A historic coin produced by Wass, Molitor & Company in 1852 has been sold for $354,375. The auction process for this rare numismatic item involved 74 bids from 16 different bidders.
Why it matters
The sale highlights the enduring value and extreme scarcity of artifacts from the California Gold Rush era. With only six known examples in existence, the coin represents a significant piece of American frontier financial history.
The 1852 coin is a rare variety featuring numerals set close together and is one of only six known examples. Four of these coins were originally discovered in 1998 as part of the S.S. Central America shipwreck salvage.
The players
GreatCollections
This organization specializes in the auction of rare coins and currency, managing the sale of high-value numismatic items.
Wass, Molitor & Company
This private firm operated during the California Gold Rush and produced gold coinage to supplement official currency.
The details
GreatCollections organized the auction for this rare gold piece, which saw high engagement from collectors. The coin is notable for its historical connection to the California Gold Rush and its specific manufacturing origin by Wass, Molitor & Company.
Timeline
Wass, Molitor & Company produced the coin in 1852.
A different example of the coin was sold in 1996.
Four examples were discovered on the S.S. Central America shipwreck in 1998.
The coin sold for $354,375 on September 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
The 1998 S.S. Central America shipwreck discovery provides the provenance for four of the six known examples of this coin, linking current market valuations to specific underwater recovery events. This auction sale follows the established pattern of high-value interest for coins sourced from that historic shipwreck.
For collectors in California, this sale highlights the continued appreciation of Gold Rush artifacts as tangible investments. It serves as a reminder of the significant premium placed on historical coins with documented origins, such as those recovered from shipwrecks.
The takeaway
Collectors should prioritize provenance and rarity when evaluating potential additions to their numismatic portfolios. Documentation regarding the history of a coin, such as its recovery from a specific shipwreck, significantly bolsters its market value.
Further reading
Learn more about rare item market trends in our collecting section.
Live Poll
Do you believe purchasing rare historical artifacts is a smart long-term investment for your portfolio?
