-
Inventory:
7 In Stock
- Product ID: 47819
Checkout
The 1861-O Seated Half Dollar SS Republic Shipwreck NGC Certified coin is a numismatic treasure that encapsulates a pivotal moment in American history, intertwining the narrative of a nation divided by civil war with the saga of a lost treasure rediscovered. Minted in New Orleans in 1861, just as the United States teetered on the brink of the Civil War, this coin is part of the storied Seated Liberty series, which featured the emblematic figure of Liberty seated on a rock. The discovery of this particular coin within the wreckage of the SS Republic adds a layer of historical intrigue and maritime mystery, making it an extraordinary piece for collectors and historians alike.
The obverse of the coin depicts Lady Liberty seated, holding a pole with a liberty cap in one hand and a shield in the other, symbolizing the American ideals of freedom and vigilance. The design, crafted by Christian Gobrecht, is a poignant representation of the nation's values at a time when its very fabric was being torn apart by internal conflict. The year "1861" prominently displayed on the obverse serves as a stark reminder of the onset of the Civil War, a period that would redefine the United States in countless ways. The mint mark "O," signifying the New Orleans Mint, further situates the coin within a specific geographical and historical context, at a place that was soon to become a battleground of the ensuing war.
The reverse features the eagle, a symbol of American strength and unity, clutching arrows and an olive branch, representing the country's readiness for war yet hope for peace. Surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the denomination "HALF DOLLAR," the reverse design reinforces the themes of national identity and resilience. The fine details of the eagle and the inscriptions, preserved despite the coin's journey through time and its resting place at the bottom of the sea, attest to the craftsmanship of the mint workers in New Orleans.
The SS Republic, a sidewheel steamship, met its fate in 1865 while carrying a large cargo of coins from New York to New Orleans. The shipwreck, discovered over a century later, yielded a treasure trove of well-preserved coins, among them the 1861-O Seated Half Dollar. The recovery of these coins has provided numismatists and historians with tangible links to the past, each piece telling a story of economic circulation, maritime commerce, and the tumultuous era from which it hails.
NGC certification of the 1861-O Seated Half Dollar from the SS Republic Shipwreck ensures its authenticity and condition, adding to its value and appeal as a collectible. The process of certification by one of the world's leading coin grading services provides collectors with the confidence that they are in possession of a piece of history that is not only genuine but also has been carefully assessed for its quality and preservation.
In conclusion, the 1861-O Seated Half Dollar SS Republic Shipwreck NGC Certified coin is more than just a piece of silver; it is a window into a tumultuous period of American history, embodying the challenges and changes that shaped the nation. Its design, minting details, and remarkable journey from the New Orleans Mint to the depths of the ocean, and finally into the hands of collectors, make it a unique and invaluable artifact. For those passionate about numismatics, Civil War history, or maritime archaeology, this coin offers a rare and tangible connection to the past, its story woven into the larger tapestry of America's heritage.