1861-S Double Eagle Republic - 1861-S $20 S.S. Republic, NGC AU53. This Civil War dated, Western branch mint 1861-S Double Eagle comes with a box and blue sticker from NGC showing its provenance to be the shipwrecked S.S. Republic. Traces of original mint luster are in protected areas of both sides of the coin. Slight wear is present, in keeping with the grade; the surfaces are original and clean for an AU53 piece. The strike is strong with full details on the centers of the stars and the design elements of the reverse.

On October 25, 1865, the S.S. Republic was lost in a violent hurricane. While most of the passengers and crew escaped, the cargo of gold coins and other goods was lost. Almost 140 years later the Odyssey Marine Exploration discovered the Republic off the coast of Georgia. Robotics was used to excavate the wreck because it was at a depth of 1,700 feet. Over 50,000 coins were recovered from the shipwreck, including the present piece.

In 1844 Longacre was appointed Mint Engraver through the influence of Senator John C. Calhoun of South Carolina. After overcoming opposition by the Chief Coiner, Franklin Peale, who was fearful that the new Engraver would interfere with his illegal medal manufacturing business using the Mint facilities, Longacre did well. He was responsible for creating many new designs including the Indian Head cent, the two-cent piece, the Shield nickel, the Liberty Head gold dollar, the Indian Princess gold dollar, the three-dollar gold piece, and the Liberty Head double eagle. 

In its first year of operation the San Francisco Mint made four million dollars in gold coins from bullion. The second building, the Old United States Mint, was designed by Alfred B. Mullett in Greek Revival style. It was built in an E-shape with a central pediment portico. There was a completely enclosed courtyard that had a well. It was these features that saved it in the fire that resulted from the earthquake of 1906. The building was situated on a concrete and granite foundation that was made to prevent tunneling into its vaults. In 1906 there was $300 million, a third of the United States gold reserves, in its vaults. Frank Leach and his men worked heroically to successfully preserve the building and the bullion. The mint was able to resume service and operated until 1937. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

In its population report, NGC shows 12 1861-S double eagles from the S.S. Republic in AU53 condition with 59 better.