1842 Eagle (1842 $10) Large Date, SS Republic, NGC AU55. 1842 $10 Liberty Head, No Motto, Large Date, SS Republic (blue tag), Eagle. The SS Republic, formerly named the SS Tennessee, was a sidewheel steamer that had been placed into service in 1853.

During the Civil War she had sailed under the flags of both the Confederate and Union navies. At war’s end, under her new name, she had left New York laden with cargo and coins desperately needed to aid in the post-war reconstruction efforts. Bound for New Orleans, she would become caught in a ferocious hurricane and on October 25, 1865 she sank to the depths off the coast of Georgia. Her cargo, including this beautiful gold eagle went to the bottom with her.

138 years later the SS Republic was located and by 2005 her fabulous treasure, including this piece, had been recovered much to the delight of numismatists, investors, and historians around the globe. A wondrous cache of silver and gold coins were brought to market and have been exceptionally popular since. Fortunately, the conditions in the deep ocean water while abrasive to the silver coins resting there, did not damage the gold coins. Therefore, remarkably, this rare eagle coin was recovered in the same condition as when it was lost just months after the Civil War concluded.

Eagles struck in 1842 are seen in two varieties, a small date and large date version. This coin is of the latter type. The majority that survive today are seen in grades up to XF but in AU and above this issue is extremely rare. To date, just 17 have been certified by PCGS/NGC in grade with only 16 higher.

The splendid example offered here is very well struck and bold. The gleaming gold surfaces are a light honey hue giving the piece a terrific and flashy eye appeal. To add to the presentation of this historic shipwreck coin, it has been encapsulated with a blue SS Republic tag. This is an excellent opportunity for the historian or advanced numismatist to add an important piece of U.S. history and rare numismatic gold to his/her collection.