1861-O Half Dollar CSA 50C NGC Shipwreck Effect,
SS Republic. Comes with box & certificate. 1861-O
CSA 50C W-11A SS Republic NGC Shipwreck effect. When
collectors are asked for their reasons of collecting
coins, many different reasons will follow as the answer.
Beauty, value and rarity are often named, along with
the historical significance these (relatively) small
pieces of metal have. Often fantasy, or additional
research, is needed to place a coin rightfully in
the historic context. But with some coins, and especially
their pedigree information, not much fantasy is needed.
Such a coin we presently offer at a modest price.
This coin was struck Confederate States of America
using half dollar dies of the United States of America
in New Orleans at the beginning of the American Civil
War, in 1861.
As identified by the special box, booklet and NGC
holder that accompanies this coin, the half dollar
we presently offer was found aboard the wreck of the
S.S. Republic, discovered in the summer of 2003. It
sank in 1865, shortly after the end of the Civil War
and had been left undisturbed, and in fact undiscovered
for over 137 years. A large part of its cargo consisted
of gold and silver coins, which were needed for the
reconstruction of the South, and this coin was one
of them. The story of the S.S. Republic has been well-written
since the wreck was discovered, and the coins that
have been brought to the market have remained to be
very desirable objects from the famous ship.
The S.S. Republic had left the port of New York and
was bound for the city of New Orleans, where this
coin was minted four years earlier. However, it would
never again reach its destination. Struck by a hurricane
of the coast of Georgia, the ship and its valuable
cargo sank to the bottom of the sea on October, 25,
1865. A number of different vessels with a valuable
cargo were lost at sea during the 1860s, being rediscovered
in the last couple of decades. Now that the majority
of coins have been brought to the market in special
holders, and the stories have been written interest
for these historic pieces is higher than ever.
This is your chance to obtain one such an historic
piece, and a popular denomination and date as well.
Certified by NGC in a special holder, this coin has
not been graded, but ‘shipwreck effect’
is noted. A special booklet tells the story of the
S.S. Republic and all the contents are very nicely
placed into a special hardwood box. The coin itself
grades About Uncirculated + details, and has better
eye-appeal than usually seen for this issue. It has
been carefully preserved by NGC before being placed
in the special holder, and nearly full detail remains
on both sides. In all, this is a wholesome and historic
piece that will look wonderful in any collection.
