The S.S. Tilawa was tragically lost during World War II, earning the nickname “Indian Titanic.” The ship was en route from Bombay, India, to Durban, South Africa, when it was struck by Japanese torpedoes and sank, taking with it 2,364 silver bars. In 2017, nearly 60 tons of silver were salvaged from the shipwreck, stirring up controversy due to the secrecy of the operation. Now, you have the chance to own a piece of this historic silver with the 1 oz S.S. Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Round, available online at BGASC.

Highlights:

• Comes in a protective plastic flip, a tube of 20, or a box of 500!
• Made from silver recovered from the S.S. Tilawa!
• Special Tilawa Shipwreck Silver!
• Contains 1 Troy oz of .999 pure silver.
• The obverse shows the Tilawa with a map outlining its course.
• The reverse depicts the S.S. Tilawa sailing in the Indian Ocean.

Each 1 oz S.S. Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Round comes packaged in a plastic flip, a tube of 20, or a box of 500 for protection. The silver used in these rounds was recovered from the S.S. Tilawa in 2017. After a lengthy legal dispute over the ownership of the silver, it has been refined and struck into these unique commemorative rounds.

Obverse

The obverse of the S.S. Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Round features an aerial view of the ship, along with a map showing its intended route from India to South Africa. The calm seas depicted in the design contrast with the tragic fate that awaited the ship.

Reverse

On the reverse side of the 1 oz S.S. Tilawa Shipwreck Silver Round, there is a striking image of the ship as it sailed through the Indian Ocean. The view from the stern is both haunting and historically significant, representing the last sight the Japanese submariners likely had before launching their attack. On November 23, 1942, the S.S. Tilawa was hit by two torpedoes and sank to the ocean floor.

History

In November 1942, the S.S. Tilawa set sail from what is now Mumbai, India, to Durban, South Africa, carrying passengers and a cargo of silver intended for the South African Mint. The silver was to be used to produce coins for South Africa and Egypt.

Ordering

Owning shipwreck silver is a rare opportunity, offering a tangible connection to history. If you have any questions about these silver rounds, please feel free to ask. BGASC customer service is available at 888-992-4272, online using our web chat, and via our email address.