1865-S $20 Republic (1865-S Double Eagle Republic) Small S, NGC AU58 CAC. Subdued mint luster radiates from within the devices of this lovely, Civil War date, branch mint, shipwrecked 1865-S Double Eagle. About half of the stars have bold centers, and the hair is fully detailed which is unusual for double eagles struck from 1859 to 1890. Except for the motto, the reverse devices are strong and sharp. The dentils are full and bold on both sides of the coin. The grade of AU58 is confirmed by CAC indicating that this is a premium quality coin.

During the California Gold Rush, the S.S. Republic, then called the Tennessee, was used to transport miners to the shores of Panama and Nicaragua to travel to the California gold fields. For several years the ship was used to transport immigrants to the United States from Mexico. In 1865 she sank in a hurricane off the coast of Savannah. In 2003 the Odyssey Republic Expedition, after twelve years of searching, discovered and began the recovery of the ships treasure. The cargo of riches had lain for 138 years approximately 100 miles off the coast of Georgia. Lost Gold of the Republic, a film produced by National Geographic documents the discovery and recovery. The coins recovered from the S.S. Republic are labeled as such by NGC and its affiliate NCS not only to note the historic significance of the coin, but also to indicate that these coins have been professionally conserved.

In 1844, through the influence of John C. Calhoun, James Longacre, the designer of the double eagle, was made Chief Engraver at the Mint, where he succeeded the late Christian Gobrecht. Longacres experience was limited, but he was a talented artist. By 1849 he was able to create the gold dollar and double eagle, the design of which lasted until well into the twentieth century. One of Longacres associates, Chief Coiner Franklin Peale, opposed Longacres appointment and became an obstructionist. Peale ran a lucrative and illicit, private medal-making business using Mint facilities, and he felt that Longacres presence would jeopardize it. In 1854 Peale was fired by President Franklin Pearce, and Longacres life became easier. Longacre remained Chief Engraver until his death in 1869.

In its population report as of June 2011, CAC has confirmed 2 in AU58 condition with 18 better. CAC does not differentiate among coins that have no provenance and those that were from the S.S. Republic or the Brother Jonathan.