1861-O Half Dollar CSA 50C NGC Shipwreck Effect, SS Republic. Comes with box & certificate. 1861-O CSA 50C W-11A SS Republic NGC Shipwreck effect. When collectors are asked for their reasons of collecting coins, many different reasons will follow as the answer. Beauty, value and rarity are often named, along with the historical significance these (relatively) small pieces of metal have. Often fantasy, or additional research, is needed to place a coin rightfully in the historic context. But with some coins, and especially their pedigree information, not much fantasy is needed. Such a coin we presently offer at a modest price. This coin was struck Confederate States of America using half dollar dies of the United States of America in New Orleans at the beginning of the American Civil War, in 1861.

As identified by the special box, booklet and NGC holder that accompanies this coin, the half dollar we presently offer was found aboard the wreck of the S.S. Republic, discovered in the summer of 2003. It sank in 1865, shortly after the end of the Civil War and had been left undisturbed, and in fact undiscovered for over 137 years. A large part of its cargo consisted of gold and silver coins, which were needed for the reconstruction of the South, and this coin was one of them. The story of the S.S. Republic has been well-written since the wreck was discovered, and the coins that have been brought to the market have remained to be very desirable objects from the famous ship.

The S.S. Republic had left the port of New York and was bound for the city of New Orleans, where this coin was minted four years earlier. However, it would never again reach its destination. Struck by a hurricane of the coast of Georgia, the ship and its valuable cargo sank to the bottom of the sea on October, 25, 1865. A number of different vessels with a valuable cargo were lost at sea during the 1860s, being rediscovered in the last couple of decades. Now that the majority of coins have been brought to the market in special holders, and the stories have been written interest for these historic pieces is higher than ever.

This is your chance to obtain one such an historic piece, and a popular denomination and date as well. Certified by NGC in a special holder, this coin has not been graded, but shipwreck effect is noted. A special booklet tells the story of the S.S. Republic and all the contents are very nicely placed into a special hardwood box. The coin itself grades About Uncirculated + details, and has better eye-appeal than usually seen for this issue. It has been carefully preserved by NGC before being placed in the special holder, and nearly full detail remains on both sides. In all, this is a wholesome and historic piece that will look wonderful in any collection.