Sponsored by Express Gold Refining
American Hartford Gold, recognized as the U.S.’s largest precious metals retailer, has introduced a landmark release: the 2025 Silver Britannia SS Tilawa Coin. Struck by The Royal Mint in five-ounce .999 fine silver, each piece carries a unique privy mark honouring the silver bars recovered from the storied SS Tilawa shipwreck.
A Maritime Tragedy Recast as a Collector’s Treasure
On 23 November 1942, the SS Tilawa—an ocean liner operated by the British India Steam Navigation Company and often dubbed the “Indian Titanic”—was torpedoed in the Indian Ocean, claiming 280 lives and sending some 60 tonnes of silver bullion to the seabed. Rediscovered during a daring salvage operation in 2017, this historic silver has now been reborn as legal-tender bullion coins, marrying maritime lore with modern craftsmanship.
Each coin’s reverse showcases Philip Nathan’s acclaimed Britannia motif—trident in hand, shield and olive branch at her side—augmented by the SS Tilawa privy: a ship’s anchor flanked by ‘1942’ and encircled above the inscription “SS TILAWA.” The obverse bears Martin Jennings’ effigy of King Charles III, emphasizing both regal continuity and the coin’s unique provenance.
A Dual Appeal for Collectors and Investors
“This release offers clients more than a material asset; it grants ownership of a tangible fragment of history,” said Sanford Mann, CEO of American Hartford Gold. “Collectors will appreciate the shipwreck silver’s storied past, while investors benefit from a rare bullion offering.” With global silver markets exhibiting volatility, the SS Tilawa coins represent a niche within a niche—historic bullion that may appeal to those seeking diversification beyond standard silver holdings.
Production is strictly capped, and coins are sold in presentation boxes of 30 (150 troy ounces total per box). Each coin is individually encapsulated to ensure optimal preservation. “Once these coins are gone, there will be no repeat issue,” added Max Baecker, President of American Hartford Gold. “This is a one-time opportunity to secure a maritime legacy.”
