Recovered from the wreck of the SS Republic, this 1856-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar carries a story no mint-fresh coin can match. The Republic sank in a hurricane off the Georgia coast in October 1865, taking her cargo of newly minted and circulating coins to the ocean floor. This New Orleans-struck half dollar was among the thousands of silver coins salvaged by Odyssey Marine Exploration in 2003, making it a genuine artifact of one of the most celebrated shipwreck recoveries in American history.

The obverse presents the classic Christian Gobrecht design of Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield inscribed LIBERTY and an upright pole topped with a liberty cap. Thirteen stars encircle the figure, and the date 1856 appears below. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with spread wings, clutching an olive branch and arrows, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arcing above and HALF DOL. below, the O mintmark placed just above the denomination. The surfaces display the characteristic Shipwreck Effect recognized by NGC, a natural oceanic patina distinct from standard circulation wear.

NGC certified this coin with the Shipwreck Effect designation, confirming its authenticity as an SS Republic survivor. The surfaces show the distinctive texturing imparted by over a century of deep-sea immersion, with device detail still legible throughout. For those drawn to the intersection of American maritime history and 19th-century coinage, this is a compelling and genuine piece. We have three examples available for this date, similar the one pictured here.

For questions about this coin or to confirm availability and pricing, call us at 800-928-6468.

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