Auction Name: 2026 February 23 Spotlight: Shipwreck & Treasure featuring Selections from The Salvager Collection World Coins Showcase Auction

Lot Number: 23087

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/61598*23087

George V gold "S.S. Egypt" Sovereign 1912 MS61 NGC, KM820, S-3996. Salvaged from the "S.S. Egypt" (sunk in 1922 off the coast of Ushant, France). Accompanied by box of issue and COA.

Built in 1897, the S.S. Egypt embarked on what would be its last voyage from Tilbury, England on May 19th, 1922, destined for Bombay. Carrying over 300 passengers and crew, the Egypt was also transporting cargo estimated to be worth over one million Euros at the time, comprised of gold and silver bullion, and hundreds of gold Sovereigns. The ocean liner had only made it as far as the Celtic Sea, near the French island of Ushant, before disaster hit. On May 20th, a thick fog coalesced around the ship, leading its captain to reduce speed before cutting the engines altogether. The exceedingly dangerous weather conditions made it so the Egypt did not see the steamship, Seine, before it was too late. The Egypt was struck with the Seine's bow, built for ice breaking. The Egypt drifted to its final resting place merely 20 minutes later, at a depth of nearly 130 meters. Salvage attempts began soon after, and in 1930 the wreck was located, with recovery operated by the Italian Società Ricuperi Marittimi. Through the technology available at the time (diving bells, explosives, and mechanical grapples) most of the cargo was recovered, though small portions of value have been retrieved by modern salvage efforts.

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