Numismatic

1858-O Liberty Seated Half NGC (SS-Republic Shipwreck) w/Book

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This 1858 half dollar carries a remarkable physical history, having been recovered from the shipwreck of the SS Republic. Having spent over a century resting on the ocean floor, the silver coin exhibits a distinct shipwreck effect, a visual testament to its long immersion in saltwater. Minted in New Orleans, this piece of mid nineteenth century currency survived a historic maritime disaster before being brought back to the surface. The coin features the classic artwork of Christian Gobrecht. On the obverse, Liberty is depicted sitting down, holding a staff topped with a liberty cap in one hand while her other hand rests on a shield. The reverse displays an eagle with a shield draped across its chest, clutching an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing both peace and defense. Struck from 90 percent silver, this fifty cent piece contains approximately 0.3599 to 0.3866 troy ounces of precious metal. The legible inscriptions on the surface include the word Liberty on the obverse shield, the year 1858, and portions of the United States of America legend on the reverse, serving as clear markers of its authentic pre Civil War origin.