JM Bullion is thrilled to offer this extraordinary 10 oz S.S. Gairsoppa Shipwreck Silver Bar composed of sunken treasure, that is, silver recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean after its transporting vessel was torpedoed by a German U-Boat in 1941. The exciting recovery of this silver just a few years ago has resulted in this 999 pure silver bar that is at once an investment in fine silver as well as a tangible relic of World War II history.

We also offer the new 1 oz S.S. Gairsoppa Shipwreck Silver Round.

S.S. Gairsoppa Origins

Like all historic ships, the S.S. Gairsoppa has her own unique story. Launched in 1919, the steel-hulled merchant ship flew the British flag as she enjoyed a productive career under the mantle of the British India Steam Navigation Company, Ltd. of London. The company, having gotten its start as an operation for transporting mail between Calcutta and Rangoon, would become one of the largest ship owners ever known. The S.S. Gairsoppa was among the company’s fleet of more than 500 vessels. It was built in the English town of Jarrow and named for the breathtaking waterfalls of Karnataka, India. At 399 feet long, the ship could run 10.5 knots making it a fine transport ship.

World War II Uses

As World War II broke out, the United Kingdom enlisted the S.S. Gairsoppa to assist the British war effort as a much-needed cargo ship. In late December of 1940, the ship was loaded with tea, pig iron, and an astonishing amount of silver ingots—7,000,000 ounces of it. Some reports suggest that this may have been the richest cargo of any sunken vessel. Its value has been estimated at 150 million pounds. The S.S. Gairsoppa was commissioned to carry this rich cargo from Calcutta to Britain where it was destined for the Royal Mint. The ship sailed forth into the Indian Ocean and then south into the treacherous currents around the Cape of South Africa. At Freetown, Sierra Leone she joined a fleet of other merchant ships steering a course for the British Isles.

The S.S. Gairsoppa Sinks

Having left Freetown behind, the fleet encountered rough Atlantic surf and high winds. The S.S. Gairsoppa began to run low on coal, the fuel needed to reach her destination. The captain was forced to steer a new and more direct course for port in order to refuel. As she headed homeward toward the Isles, she was reported by a German Focke-Wulf aircraft which signaled a U-Boat in the area to find her. The U-Boat torpedoed the S.S. Gairsoppa on February 17, 1941 and it sank with its rich cargo. The ship sank roughly 300 miles to the southwest of Galway and rested 3 miles deep beneath the surface of the forlorn Atlantic waters.

Recovery

In 2010, the British government and Florida-based Odyssey Marine Exploration entered into a venture to find the sunken ship and possibly recover its 110 tons of precious silver from the wreck. Their success has resulted in the nearly complete recovery of this silver which has since been sent to Sunshine Minting to be transformed into these elegant commemorative silver bars that represent one of the most unforgettable periods of world history. Each 10 oz S.S. Gairsoppa Shipwreck Silver Bar is made from 10 troy ounces of 99.9% precious silver and is in brand new condition. Each bar is stamped with the date of the shipwreck as well as its certification as recovered Gairsoppa silver.

Video Footage of Recovery:

If you have any questions about the 10 oz S.S. Gairsoppa Shipwreck Silver Bar, please call us at 800-276-6508. For added convenience, you may reach us via live chat or by filling out our online contact form. Please note that these bars are in limited supply and in much demand. We encourage you to procure yours as soon as can be.