Until recently, few historians were aware of a "Lost" golden spike that surfaced after being held by a prominent California family for 136 years. A nearly identical twin to the famed "Last" spike of Transcontinental Railroad fame, this Lost Spike was recently acquired by the California State Railroad Museum after intense negotiations. While only 91/2 inches in size, the "Lost" golden spike is visually intriguing due to intricate engraving and an attached "sprue"--excess metal left over from the casting process. It is on permanent display daily at the Museum, in a specially designed case.

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