SS Republic Shipwreck Gold Coins

With a storied history that spans both military and commercial endeavors, the SS Republic holds a prominent place in American maritime history. Despite the ship’s tragic demise, its legacy remains strong today through the artifacts discovered among its wreckage, such as the SS Republic shipwreck coins. This piece will delve into the historical significance of the SS Republic and the treasures it left behind, discussing:

Interesting facts about the iconic SS Republic ship.
The valuable coins found among the ship’s wreckage.
Finding the best SS Republic coins for sale online.

Dive into the discovery of the SS Republic shipwreck in this captivating video:

Facts about the SS Republic ship

While its shipwreck is well-documented, the SS Republic’s story is brimming with riveting details. Here are some fascinating facts about this historic ship.

Country of origin

The SS Republic was built in Baltimore, Maryland. Constructed in 1853, the vessel’s design and construction were a product of American shipbuilding expertise of the mid-19th century.

Size

With a length of 210 feet and a beam of 33 feet 11 inches, the SS Republic was a substantial vessel for its time. Its robust construction, boasting an impressive 5,000-barrel cargo capacity and room for up to 100 passengers, largely contributed to its significant role in mid-19th-century maritime trade.

Function

Before embarking on civilian journeys such as the one that ended tragically with its sinking, the SS Republic fulfilled various roles. Originally named “Tennessee”, the ship operated as a merchant vessel along the Baltimore–Charleston route. Subsequently, she played a role in the California Gold Rush, ferrying prospectors to Panama and Nicaragua for their journey to the Sierra Nevada mountains.

When the Civil War erupted, the ship was repurposed as a military vessel, serving in the Union Navy and even participating in the Battle of Mobile Bay. The ship’s military involvement ended after it incurred storm damage, prompting it to transition into a new career transporting passengers and cargo.

Years of operation

The SS Republic had a dynamic operational history spanning over two decades (1853-1865). Built in 1853, the vessel served in various commercial capacities as “Tennessee” before being acquired by the Union Navy and renamed the USS Mobile. After sustaining damage in 1864 and being deemed unfit for military service, the vessel was sold in 1865, refitted, and renamed the SS Republic. The ship then operated commercially, primarily on the New York to New Orleans route, until its sinking in a hurricane on October 25, 1865.

Wreck of the SS Republic

The shipwreck of the SS Republic occurred under dramatic and harrowing circumstances on October 25, 1865. Departing from New York and bound for New Orleans, the Republic was laden with passengers, crew, and a valuable cargo of goods, including barrels of money intended to help revive the post-Civil War economy of New Orleans.

As the ship made its way south, it encountered a severe hurricane – similar to the fate that led to the Atocha shipwreck treasure – off the coast of Georgia. The storm’s intensity quickly escalated, subjecting the vessel to powerful winds and towering waves.

Despite the experienced crew’s efforts to navigate through the treacherous conditions, the Republic began to take on water. The ship’s pumps were unable to cope with the volume of water flooding in, and the situation rapidly deteriorated. As the hull sustained damage and the flooding worsened, it became clear that the ship was doomed.

Captain Young made the difficult decision to abandon ship, ensuring that all 80 passengers and crew members evacuated safely into lifeboats. The survivors endured a harrowing ordeal before being rescued by passing vessels. The SS Republic, however, along with its valuable cargo, succumbed to the sea.

As for where did the SS Republic sink, that remained a mystery until 2003, when Odyssey Marine Exploration discovered the wreckage. Among the remnants of the ship, they found a treasure trove of artifacts, including over 51,000 rare gold and silver coins.

The most reputable SS Republic coins

In a similar vein to El Cazador ship, when disaster struck for the SS Republic, it was laden with coins intended for Louisiana. The SS Republic, specifically, was transporting thousands of gold and silver coins to facilitate economic recovery in the region of New Orleans after the Civil War. Among the coins found on the SS Republic shipwreck, many are cherished by collectors today for their historical significance and numismatic value.

1. 1854-O $10 Liberty Large Date SS Republic coin

Among the most sought-after SS Republic shipwreck coins for sale is the 1854-O $10 Liberty Large Date coin. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this rare piece is highly prized for its unique characteristics.

Created with a date punch intended for larger silver dollars, it features an oversized date punch compared to its Small Date equivalent. The 1854-O $10 Liberty Large Date is also of notable eye appeal because of its concave-looking obverse, giving it a sunken appearance.

1854-O $10 Liberty SS Republic Large Date NGC AU55

Metal: Gold
Year: 1854
Check our most current price here.

 

 

 

 

 

2. 1854 Small Date Double Eagle SS Republic coins

Another coin numismatists seeking SS Republic coins for sale should be looking into is the 1854 Small Date Double Eagle. This coin often exhibits well-struck details with very clear definition on the obverse. It is also slightly scarcer than its 1852 and 1853 counterparts in terms of overall rarity, making it a worthy addition to any coin collection.

1854 Small Date Double Eagle

Metal: Gold
Year: 1854

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. 1854-O 50C Seated Liberty with Arrows SS Republic wreck coin

This particular coin may not boast the highest value of SS Republic coins, but its significance and appeal to collectors cannot be overstated. With the highest mintage of any With Arrows type, the 1854-O 50C holds a distinguished place in numismatic history. Its large mintage, the largest in the series since 1836, makes it accessible to collectors of varying budgets. Offering a blend of rarity, visual appeal, and affordability, this historic coin serves as an excellent entry point for enthusiasts.

1854-O 50C Seated Liberty with Arrows

Metal: Silver
Year: 1854

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by PCGS

4. SS Republic 1860 Seated Liberty Half Dollar

Another remarkable coin recovered from the wreckage of the SS Republic is the 1860 Seated Liberty Half Dollar. Known for its relatively low mintage of only 302,700, this coin is among the most highly sought after 1860 & 1861 SS Republic silver coins in numismatic circles.

1860 50C Seated Liberty

Metal: Silver
Year: 1860

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by PCGS

5. 1863-S Double Eagle SS Republic ship coin

As far as SS Republic gold coins for sale are concerned, collectors will find the 1863-S Double Eagle particularly noteworthy. Although the San Francisco Mint produced these Double Eagles in large numbers, uncirculated pieces are rare, with most originating from the SS Republic. This makes them especially significant from a historical perspective.

1863-S Double Eagle

Metal: Gold
Year: 1863

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by PCGS

6. 1853 Arrows & Rays Half Dollar SS Republic sinking coin

The 1853 Arrows and Rays Half Dollar is another example of a special coin found on the SS Republic shipwreck. This 50-cent piece holds a significant place in numismatic history due to the Coinage Act of 1853, which aimed to correct the gold and silver price imbalance by reducing weights for several denominations, including the half dollar. To signify this change, arrowheads were added beside the date, and rays around the eagle on the reverse. This design was unique to 1853, making it a one-year type coin.

1853 Arrows & Rays Half Dollar

Metal: Silver
Year: 1853

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by PCGS

7. 1845-O Coronet Eagle SS Republic shipwreck gold coins

With a mere 47,500 minted, the 1845-O $10 is a prized gem among SS Republic shipwreck coins for sale. Though some examples may display minor weaknesses in design details, collectors recognize these quirks as part of the coin’s allure, enhancing its desirability without diminishing its overall appeal.

1845-O Coronet Eagle

Metal: Gold
Year: 1845

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. 1861-S Coronet Double Eagle with Paquet Reverse SS Republic coin

This Double Eagle’s artistic merit, combined with the inherent value of SS Republic coins, make it a highly coveted collectible. With a reverse created using a special die made by engraver Anthony C. Paquet, the coin features distinctively taller and slimmer lettering compared to the traditional design. This unique style was intended to improve the coin’s aesthetic appeal but was discontinued shortly after its introduction due to striking issues. As a result, Double Eagles with the Paquet Reverse are very rare, adding to their desirability among collectors.

1861-S Coronet Double Eagle with Paquet Reverse

Metal: Gold
Year: 1861

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by PCGS

9. 1865 Coronet Double Eagle Misplaced Date wreck of the SS Republic coin

The 1865 Coronet Double Eagle with a misplaced date error is another one of the fascinating SS Republic gold coins. On the coin’s obverse, the tops of two date digits are visible in the dentils beneath the “65,” an error likely to have occurred during the manual process of date punching. Despite the large mintage of Double Eagles in 1865, those with the date in the rim error are scarce, significantly enhancing their value and appeal.

1865 Coronet Double Eagle with Misplaced Date

Metal: Gold
Year: 1865

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. 1865-S Eagle with Inverted Date SS Republic shipwreck treasure coin

Another extraordinary rarity among SS Republic coins is the 1865-S Eagle with an inverted date. This error occurred when the three-digit 186 logotype was punched into the die upside down and subsequently corrected. It resulted in an unusual and distinctive appearance that collectors highly value.

1865-S Eagle with Inverted Date

Metal: Gold
Year: 1865

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by PCGS

Browse through more SS Republic gold coins for sale and other valuable rare pieces.

Where to buy rare coins

The SS Republic shipwreck yielded a trove of historic and valuable coins. From elusive misstruck varieties to well-preserved classics, these coins are rare and fascinating pieces with significant collector appeal.

For those interested in acquiring exceptional numismatic pieces, Blanchard is a trusted source, renowned for its expertise, authenticity guarantees, and competitive pricing. Blanchard’s dedicated team is readily available to address inquiries about SS Republic shipwreck coins and other rare collectibles, ensuring collectors receive top-notch service and valuable insights into their investments.

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