1852 Seated Liberty Dime SS Central America PCGS AU-53

The SS Central America shipwreck is one of the most celebrated recovery stories in American numismatic history, and this 1852 Seated Liberty Dime sailed aboard the ill-fated steamer before it sank in a hurricane off the Carolina coast in September 1857. Recovered more than a century later and certified by PCGS with the special Ship of Gold presentation holder, this coin carries a certificate of authenticity signed by Bob Evans, Chief Scientist of the SS Central America recovery project. Accompanying the dime is a pinch of authentic California Gold Dust also recovered from the wreck, adding a remarkable layer of historical context to an already compelling piece.

The obverse presents the classic Seated Liberty design, with the enthroned figure of Liberty holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY and raising a pole topped with a liberty cap, surrounded by thirteen stars and the date 1851 below. The reverse displays the bold legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA encircling a laurel wreath that frames the inscription ONE DIME in two lines, with strong device definition throughout. Even at the AU-53 grade level, the design elements remain well-struck and highly legible across both sides.

PCGS certified this coin AU53, and the surfaces reflect the light wear consistent with that grade, with much of the original luster still visible in the fields. The coin's provenance from the SS Central America places it in a category that transcends ordinary type coins, as documented shipwreck survivors with chain-of-custody certification are among the most sought-after collectibles in American numismatics. For those drawn to coins with a tangible connection to a defining chapter of American history, this Seated Liberty Dime with accompanying California Gold Dust is a genuinely distinctive offering. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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