NGC and NCS on Discovery Channel’s Expedition Unknown

Experts from Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) and Numismatic Conservation Services™ (NCS®) were excited to appear on an episode of the popular Discovery Channel series Expedition Unknown that premiered on Wednesday, August 25, 2021. As part of his exploration of the SS Pulaski shipwreck, host Josh Gates visited NGC and NCS headquarters in Sarasota, Florida, to learn more about the coins and other artifacts that he discovered. The episode is now available to stream on Discovery + and will air again on August 26 and August 29.

All of the coins and artifacts brought to NGC and NCS by Gates. Click image to enlarge.

One of the most notable shipwrecks in the early history of the United States, the SS Pulaski exploded and sank on June 14, 1838, off the coast of North Carolina. On the trip from Charleston, South Carolina, to Baltimore, Maryland, the steamship was carrying several prominent US citizens, including a former congressman and the family of banker Gazaway Bugg Lamar.

Coins recovered from the SS Pulaski

Since 2018, NGC and NCS have been involved with conserving, attributing and grading coins recovered from the SS Pulaski. The coins that have been recovered include well-preserved half dollars and half eagles from the 1830s as well as several earlier US issues, in addition to coins from Spain, Mexico and Great Britain.

1836 $5 gold coins recovered by Gates and brought NGC and NCS Click image to enlarge.

In the Expedition Unknown episode, titled “America’s Titanic,” Josh Gates dives the Atlantic to search for lost coins and other artifacts from the SS Pulaski wreckage, with the aid of new sonar scans. Watch the episode, and see the coins and artifacts that he brings to NGC and NCS.

About Expedition Unknown

Discovery Channel’s hit series Expedition Unknown follows host Josh Gates as he travels the globe investigating the latest archeological discoveries, historic mysteries and fascinating legends. Armed with a degree in archaeology, a quick wit and a hunger for adventure, Gates journeys to some of the most spectacular destinations on earth on a mission to educate and entertain. Over the course of more than 100 episodes, Expedition Unknown has been privileged to showcase the work of an international community of explorers and scientists using cutting edge technology to shine a light on the wonders of the world.

Related Link

NCS and NGC Selected to Conserve and Grade SS Pulaski Coins