The Legendary Eureka Bar Coming to Aquarium of the Bay
Visitors will experience the world’s largest surviving California Gold Rush bar—and accredited investors can own a share today through Kagin’s Digital.
Launched April 10 in partnership with Vici Network, the fractional offering attracted more than 70 participants, from seasoned collectors to enthusiasts, who purchased shares priced from $1,000 to $1,250. The asset was subsequently sold to Stephen Gill, President of Arizona Coin & Bullion and Lone Mountain Coin, for $650,000 USD, delivering shareholders an average return of 23% and an average IRR of 131% per share.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — July 2, 2026 — Aquarium of the Bay and Kagin’s Digital announced that the legendary Eureka Bar, the world’s largest surviving California Gold Rush bar, will soon be on public display in a special exhibit at Aquarium of the Bay on San Francisco’s iconic waterfront.
Recovered from over 7,000 feet beneath the Atlantic, the 64-pound Eureka Bar spent more than a century entombed in the wreck of the legendary SS Central America, the famed Ship of Gold. Now, the world’s largest California Gold Rush bar will soon return to the depths at Aquarium of the Bay, surrounded by the same dark waters and iconic sharks that echoed its home for over 130 years.
The partnership brings together one of America’s most significant Gold Rush treasures with one of the nation’s premier public aquariums, creating a unique experience that connects visitors to the history of the California Gold Rush, one of history’s greatest maritime discoveries, and the enduring mysteries of the deep sea.
“The Eureka Bar is far more than a remarkable gold ingot—it is a tangible connection to one of the defining chapters of American history,” said Dr. Donald H. Kagin, President of Kagin’s, Inc. “Its story encompasses the California Gold Rush, the tragedy of the SS Central America, and one of the greatest underwater recoveries ever undertaken. We are honored to share this extraordinary artifact with the public through Aquarium of the Bay.”
In conjunction with the exhibit, visitors will also discover a unique opportunity through Kagin’s Digital, a Bay Area-based platform that combines more than 90 years of numismatic expertise with blockchain-secured ownership and provenance. Through fractional ownership, accredited investors can participate in the ownership of the legendary Eureka Bar while helping preserve and share one of America’s greatest historical treasures for future generations.
As part of the partnership, 10% of net proceeds from Eureka Bar share purchases through Kagin’s Digital will benefit Aquarium of the Bay, supporting its mission of marine conservation, education, and inspiring stewardship of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters.
“We’re thrilled to bring one of America’s most significant Gold Rush artifacts to our aquarium,” said Jaz Cariola, COO of Aquarium of the Bay. “Its incredible journey—from California’s Gold Rush to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, and now to San Francisco’s waterfront—creates an unforgettable experience that connects visitors with both our nation’s history and the wonders of the ocean.”
Guests will scan an on-site QR code throughout the exhibit to discover the remarkable story of the Eureka Bar, explore its historic journey aboard the SS Central America, and learn how they can own a share of this legendary treasure through Kagin’s Digital.
Additional exhibit details and opening dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
To learn more about the exhibit and own a share of the legendary Eureka Bar today, visit:
https://kagins.digital/aquariumofthebay
The fractional offering marked a milestone in numismatics, demonstrating how blockchain-based NFTs can securely and transparently enable fractional ownership of real-world assets. The model merges blockchain security with the ease of Web3 transactions and full regulatory compliance, making these high-value collectibles accessible to a wider range of participants.
About Aquarium of the Bay
Located on San Francisco’s historic waterfront at PIER 39, Aquarium of the Bay is a nonprofit public aquarium dedicated to inspiring conservation of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters through education, engagement, and marine stewardship. Home to more than 24,000 marine animals representing over 200 species, the Aquarium offers immersive exhibits that connect visitors with the diverse ecosystems of the Bay while advancing environmental awareness and ocean conservation. Aquarium of the Bay is a Smithsonian Affiliate.
About Kagin’s Digital
Kagin’s Digital combines more than 90 years of numismatic expertise with modern blockchain technology to provide secure, transparent access to museum-quality rarities and historically significant assets through fractional ownership. By pairing trusted authentication with blockchain-secured provenance, Kagin’s Digital is expanding access to some of the world’s most extraordinary historical treasures while preserving their legacy for future generations.
Media Contact
Belen Buckley
Kagin’s Digital
belen@kagins.digital