1863-S Double Eagle Small S NGC MS61 SS Republic. A wonderful coin from the treasure that is called the SS republic. Uncirculated, very lustrous and of premium quality this is a wonderful coin for both the investor and the collector. Struck in the American Civil War, and lost at sea a few years after its mintage (October 25, 1865 to be precise), only to be recovered in recent times (2003).

The 1863-S double eagle had a total mintage of 966,570 pieces. The majority of the pieces circulated for at least enough wear to limit the grade to AU or lower. Until the discovery of several shipwrecks, including the SS republic, this issue had less than an estimated dozen pieces known in uncirculated.

After the discovery of the treasury ship, uncirculated pieces have been somewhat more available. Yet, they are still scarce and very popular with both investors and collectors. Demand for these Civil War coins, especially when storied as such as the present piece, will surely rise with the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War shortly ahead of us.

The present coin, certified by NGC indicating its inclusion in the famous shipwreck, looks much finer than MS-61. The fields have much less hairlines than expected, and the coin has a fresh look. Boldly struck and very lustrous, with light yellow gold color. A wonderful coin for the discriminating collector or investor seeking a variety of coins in his or her portfolio.