Page 279 - Treasure, World & U.S. Coin Auction 17

Books

1448. Pieces of Eight, by Kip Wagner, 1st edition (1966), signed by all 10 Real Eight Company members and associates.
9-1/2” x 6-1/4”, 221 pp (hardbound). Ten signatures on a 1st edition is the benchmark for this famous book about the Real Eight Co. and the
finding of the 1715 Fleet, the ten signers pictured on the back of the dust jacket (fully intact). Very Fine condition, no problems. Estimate:
$300-$450.

1449. A California Gold Rush History, by Q. David Bowers (2002), special limited edition hardbound copy #189/400 in
heavy case and with ounce of gold from the SS Central America inside the cover. 14-1/4” x 11-1/2”, 14-3/4 lb. In a famous numis-
matic coup, the bulk of the SS Central America treasure was purchased by a consortium of dealers, who subsequently sold the gold ingots in
heavy promotions that included special editions (like this one, one for each bar) of Dave Bowers’ excellent, 1055-page book about the wreck,
which shows color pictures of each and every bar. As a bonus for the promotion, actual gold dust from the wreck was placed inside the front
cover (visible through a small window) and, at least in this case, a high-quality photo of the accompanying bar is affixed to the back cover.
Excellent condition, slight wear on the slipcase only. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.

Miscellaneous

1450. Lot of 5 Real Eight Co. stock certificates from 1969-75
for 100 shares each, one with Kip Wagner signature. 8-1/4” x
12”. Two different types, three of the original version with orange border
and two of a later version with blue margin to left, one of the early
ones with Kip Wagner signature and the others with Harry Cannon,
all canceled but in nice condition without rips and tears or staining
and foxing, two with light folds. Famously, each certificate shows at
top center a picture of two Mexican cob 8 reales, one with full 1715
date. Estimate: $200-$300.

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