Shipwreck Coins!
SS Republic Shipwreck
1865
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
United States |
| Design Description: |
HALF DOLLARS - SEATED LIBERTY |
| Item Description: |
50C 1861 O SS REPUBLIC W-06 Louisiana Issue |
| Full Grade: |
NGC |
| Owner: |
Von Werner |
Owner Comments:
The SS Republic was en route from New York on October 18, 1865, bound for New Orleans to deliver much needed hard currency that the south was lacking after the Civil War. She was carrying passengers and $400,000 in coins.
On October 25, she ran into a hurricane off the coast of Savannah, Georgia. The crew and passengers managed to escape to lifeboats but at 4pm, the ship sank in 1700 feet of water, taking all of the cargo down with her. The passengers fought through the storm and the vast majority were rescued 2 days later.
In August, 2003, the wreck was located and about 25% of the coins were salvaged.