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1865 SS Republic Shipwreck
The First Major Release of
Civil War Era U.S. Silver Coins
 For 138 years, the shipwreck cargo of the S.S. Republic sat quietly in
1700 feet of water below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean.
Since October of 1865, the historic Civil War Era paddlewheel steamship
had awaited the arrival of technology and oceanographic scientists with
the financial resources and courage to seek out this long-lost shipwreck
and its precious cargo of gold and silver coins.
The S.S. Republic sunk in a fierce hurricane in October of 1865. Only
late last year, after twelve years of intensive searching, was the crew
of the famed Odyssey finally able to pinpoint and verify the exact
location of the SS Republic shipwreck some 100 miles off the Georgia
coast. Since then, the cargo of the S.S. Republic shipwreck has been
recovered and documented as one of the most valuable and historically
significant archeological and rare coin finds of our generation.
 From
Rarities to Affordable Coins
For coin collectors, the numismatic opportunity is exceptional. Aboard
the S.S. Republic were thousands of U.S. coins. A few were exceptionally
rare, high quality Pre-Civil War gold coins. Some were coins not known
to exist in these grades until they were recovered from the shipwreck
site where they have been preserved by nature on the ocean floor for the
last 138 years.
These will be released at a later date and will auction for sums that
will likely exceed $100,000 each.
The Largest Shipwreck Find of U.S. Silver Coins
What makes the SS Republic shipwreck unique is the additional find of a
large number of silver coins from the Civil War recovered in pristine
uncirculated, mint condition.
Previous shipwrecks offered few silver coins and the gold coins traded
for $10,000 to over $100,0000 each. However, this amazing collection of
beautifully preserved, affordable shipwreck silver coins will soon be
offered to the American public.
Prices will start at under $1,000 for a Seated Liberty Half Dollar that
has been curated by NCS and certified by NGC. The coins in this first
release will date from the early 1850's through 1861.
Each one has been "Pedigreed" as "Shipwreck Effect" coins to make them
distinctive from other S.S. Republic coins in this release.
 Painstaking
Care to Preserve Each Silver Coin
Under the direction of Odyssey’s project archaeologist, Neil Cunningham
Dobson, the coins are receiving exceptionally gentle treatment.
Each coin was lifted from 1700 feet below the surface from the sea bed
using a robot with a specially designed, soft silicone grip to preserve
the delicate coin surfaces.
Each coin's location was carefully documented as has been each artifact
taken from this historical site.
Above, numismatic experts are shown carefully examining each coin
individually one by one to determine the precise curation necessary to
remove any coral, mineral deposits, rust, or other residue that
accumulated on each coin. Different coins require different methods to
safely remove the build up.
While some coins are found individually, many are in clumps. Some clumps
are so large and so encrusted that no effort is undertaken to separate
the coins. Instead, the entire clump is preserved in its original
condition and plans are to have these samples on display in both
permanent and traveling museums that will tour the country sharing this
find with both coin collectors and numismatists alike.
 Own
A Rare Piece of American History
Thanks to the excellent coverage by NBC-TV, MSNBC, and the National
Geographic Explorer program, the S.S. Republic shipwreck has been
carefully documented.
The entire process of finding the shipwreck, sending down the remote
operated vehicle (shown at right) and mini-subs has been documented for
posterity so that it can be shared for generations to come.
Several of these one hour programs have already aired and they will be
presented a number of times in future weeks. The National Geographic
Magazine will feature an entire spread on the S.S. Republic Shipwreck
and the coin find this fall.
A History Making Coin Release
Without a doubt, the S.S. Republic Shipwreck and the release of the U.S.
coins that have been underwater for 138 years will be a history-making
event in the coin collecting community.
Almost as unique as the coins themselves, is the beautiful packaging,
the booklet, and Free DVD video that will be offered free along with
each coin. In this way, the Odyssey team will be able to share the
excitement of finding these coins with collectors who acquire them.
The S.S. Republic Shipwreck site offers an historic "time capsule" that
is a rare glimpse into one of the most fascinating periods of American
history, the Post-Civil War Era. Since our firm specializes in both
Pre-Civil War coins and New Orleans Mint coins, Austin Rare Coins was
chosen to participate in a special release to the American public.
Please feel free to call and discuss these coins at length with one of
our Rare Coin Specialists at Austin Rare Coins. If you prefer to order
right away using your Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, you can
order online at the Austin Coin Collecting Society store in the safe,
secure, Yahoo Mall.
Questions? Call 1-800-928-6468 to speak to a Rare Coin Specialist.
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