Description:

GOLD IN SEALED WORLD WAR II U.S. NAVY BARTER KIT
An exceptionally rare, sealed U.S. Navy GOLD barter kit from World War II, intended to be used in the event a pilot was shot down, survived, and needed to get back to Allied lines. This kit, measuring 3.75 in. x 4.5 in., reads on the obverse and reverse, the caption: ‘IF FOUND RETURN TO COMNAVAIRLANT (CNAL 34) NORFOLK, VIRGINIA', with the obverse retaining a three-digit number ‘888'. This kit contains approximately .90 troy ounces of fine gold. This gold is in the form of 3 rings and 5 coins. Traditionally these coins consisted of two British gold Half Sovereigns, one British gold one Pound Sovereign, a gold 10 Franc coin, and a gold 20 Franc coin. Very lightly stained, otherwise near fine. These kits were offered to the public via sealed bids in the 1970's and 80's and were highly sought after by coin collectors. As a result, many of these kits were opened and parted out, leaving still-sealed examples, like this one, rare and highly collectable. This specific kit comes with copies of X-ray images clearly showing the gold relics still inside. With the price of gold climbing rapidly, these rare kits still containing the original gold pieces, are sure to climb dramatically in value.

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Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. We will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

March 26, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000