1854-O Seated Liberty Dime with Arrows SS Central America PCGS AU-58

Recovered from the wreck of the SS Central America, this 1854-O Seated Liberty Dime with Arrows carries one of the most dramatic backstories in all of American numismatics. The New Orleans Mint struck this coin just three years before the sidewheel steamship sank in a hurricane off the Carolina coast in September 1857, taking with it a vast cargo of California gold and the coins of everyday commerce. This PCGS-certified shipwreck example is housed in a special "Ship of Gold" presentation holder alongside a pinch of authentic California gold dust recovered from the same wreck, accompanied by a signed certificate from Bob Evans, Chief Scientist of the SS Central America recovery project.

The obverse presents the familiar seated Liberty figure, draped in flowing robes and holding a shield and liberty pole, with thirteen stars arrayed around the border and the date 1854 at the base. The Arrows variety - arrows flanking the date - was introduced that year to reflect the reduction in authorized silver weight. The reverse displays a bold oak and laurel wreath encircling the denomination ONE DIME, with the New Orleans O mintmark clearly visible below the bow, and the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the periphery.

PCGS grades this example AU-58, reflecting nearly full mint luster with only the lightest wear on the highest design points, even surfaces, and strong device definition throughout. The Arrows variety from New Orleans is a sought-after type coin, and the SS Central America provenance transforms it into something far beyond an ordinary circulated example - a tangible artifact of one of the most celebrated maritime recoveries in history. For those drawn to coins with genuine historical narrative, this piece offers a rare combination of numismatic quality and documented provenance. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.

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