Lot 157
157
1854 Kellogg $20. Short Arrows. Probably Kagin-1, Rarity-5, but attribution uncertain due to heavy patination in places. Slightly bent. Sharpness easily that of choice EF. Heavy red and oxblood patina on much of the obverse, the remaining surface original olive gold metal; the same holds true for the reverse. Several impressions of edge reeding have been impressed into the obverse, perhaps the result of other coins falling heavily onto the present coin during the sinking of the ship.
Curious 1854 Kellogg $20
1854 Kellogg $20. Short Arrows. Probably Kagin-1, Rarity-5, but attribution uncertain due to heavy patination in places. Slightly bent. Sharpness easily that of choice EF. Heavy red and oxblood patina on much of the obverse, the remaining surface original olive gold metal; the same holds true for the reverse. Several impressions of edge reeding have been impressed into the obverse, perhaps the result of other coins falling heavily onto the present coin during the sinking of the ship.

Details
1854 Kellogg $20. Short Arrows. Probably Kagin-1, Rarity-5, but attribution uncertain due to heavy patination in places. Slightly bent. Sharpness easily that of choice EF. Heavy red and oxblood patina on much of the obverse, the remaining surface original olive gold metal; the same holds true for the reverse. Several impressions of edge reeding have been impressed into the obverse, perhaps the result of other coins falling heavily onto the present coin during the sinking of the ship.
Further details
Another and final example of a territorial gold coin that was bent in this matter. We have to ask why it was that just private coins were bent. Here is a possibility for thought: Might it have been that these pieces were received as deposits by a bullion dealer or bank in San Francisco, and then bent as a "tag" to show that they should not passed out again into circulation, but should be sent to the East to be melted? Just a thought. Bent as a good luck talisman? Bent in the events that led to the ship's sinking? What do you think?