Numismatic

1854-O Liberty Seated Half w/Arrows SS-Republic Shipwreck NGC

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This silver half dollar, minted in New Orleans in 1854, carries a remarkable story of survival. It was resting deep on the ocean floor for well over a century following the loss of the SS Republic, a steamship that sank during a fierce hurricane on October 25, 1865. In August 2003, deep-sea explorers located the wreckage and successfully retrieved this historic coin from the ocean depths. The coin features the classic Liberty Seated design, created by Christian Gobrecht. On the front, Liberty is shown resting on a rock, grasping a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while supporting a shield with the other. The year 1854 is clearly visible below her. On either side of the date, small arrows were added to the design, a distinctive feature of this specific minting era. The reverse side displays a heraldic eagle with a shield draped across its chest, clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows in its talons. Struck from 90 percent silver, this piece contains approximately 0.3599 troy ounces of precious metal. Having survived both the Civil War era and a historic shipwreck, this certified genuine specimen offers an incredible connection to America's maritime past.