1856-S Eagle SS Republic (1856-S $10 SS Republic) NGC AU55. 1856-S $10 Liberty Head, No Motto, SS Republic (blue tag), Eagle. The SS Republic, formerly named the SS Tennessee, was a side-wheel 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 wars 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 ten dollar gold piece 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.

The specimen offered here is a lovely and original piece and a better date within the series. Scarce and attractive, this eagle is well struck and sharply detailed and the wear is very minor and even. Save for a couple of minor hits on the trunk of Libertys neck, the piece is absent of any marks or distractions and is a very appealing amber and orange peel color. This is a historic and premium gold eagle that will serve quite nicely as a memento of one of the most famous shipwrecks in U.S. history.