Durham Treasure Coins
1861 O Seated Half from the SS Republic

Owner Comments:

This coin is one of my favorites within the set as there is so much history associated it with it. First and foremost, it is a true treasure coin recovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration from the SS Republic. It is also the Louisiana Issue of the 1861 Seated Half Dollar. During that year the New Orleans mint acted as the mint for the US, Louisiana after their temporary succession as well as for the Confederate States of America. A remarkable piece in my opinion. Below is an excerpt from the seller.

"These coins were minted for only 28 days, during the time Louisiana was its own territory separate from the United States. Built in Baltimore and christened in 1853 the USS Tennessee served in both the Confederate and Union Navies, captured by the Confederates during the Civil War. She was considered a High-bird because it ran on steam power and wind She fought vigorously in several Battles. The flag ship of Admiral David Farragut who originally coined the phrase, "Damn the torpedoes-full speed ahead," at the Battle of Mobile. After her hull was damaged in a gale her military career ended purchased by a New York shipping magnate in 1865, and renamed the SS Republic. Extensively repaired she made regular runs from New York to New Orleans with cargo and coins to regenerate New Orleans post-war economy.

The Ship had survived hurricanes before but this time off the coast of Georgia a hurricane brought her down with $400,000.00 worth of gold and Silver coins (1865 face value). She rested 1,700 feet below the surface of the ocean until discovered 138 years later."