Recovered from the wreck of the SS Republic, this 1861 Seated Liberty Half Dollar carries the weight of Civil War-era history along with the romance of a celebrated deep-sea recovery. The Republic sank in October 1865 during a hurricane off the Georgia coast, carrying post-war relief supplies and a cargo of coins. NGC has certified this example with its dedicated SS Republic Shipwreck Effect designation, confirming authentic ocean provenance. We rarely see this 1861 Philly issue with the SS Republic pedigree, and this group is exceptionally nice.

The obverse presents the classic Seated Liberty design, with the figure of Liberty seated on a rock, draped in flowing robes and leaning on a striped shield inscribed LIBERTY. She holds a pole topped with a Liberty cap in her right hand. Thirteen stars ring the field, and the date 1861 appears below the seated figure. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA arching above and HALF DOL. below. The surfaces carry the characteristic mottled, muted patina associated with genuine shipwreck recovery, with device detail remaining bold and legible throughout.

NGC certified this coin with the Shipwreck Effect designation under cert number 8676557-395. The surfaces show the expected ocean-effect texture and toning consistent with authenticated Republic coins. The SS Republic recovery, completed by Odyssey Marine Exploration in 2003, produced the largest numismatic treasure trove ever recovered from the deep sea. Coins from this wreck carry a well-documented provenance that appeals to both shipwreck collectors and Civil War-era numismatists. For those seeking an authenticated piece of the Republic with strong visual character and NGC-confirmed provenance, this Half Dollar is a compelling choice. 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.