1863-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, NGC AU58 (CAC) Ex.SS Republic

Here's a dramatic and rare Civil War era specimen to add to your numismatic collection. Writes gold specialist Doug Winter, "I’d rank Civil War gold as one of the more popular ultra-specialties in American numismatics."

It is also a relic of the tragic wreck of the SS Republic. Rich with history, this piece would be perfect for either a Civil War era gold specialist or someone who collects coins retrieved from shipwrecks.

NGC has graded 174 coins retrieved from the SS Republic. Of those, there are 87 in AU58 with 47 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this issue at $8,500.00 in AU58. In CAC, there are 40 of this issue in AU58 with 27 finer.

The S.S. Republic rendered in a painting. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

The S.S. Republic left New York on October 18, 1865, bound for New Orleans with passengers and a cargo of $400,000 in coins, which was primarily gold $10 and $20 pieces. The Big Easy needed hard currency after the end of the Civil War. New Orleans was a busy, thriving city, but due to the war, "hard money" was in short supply.

It was on the fifth day of the voyage that a hurricane off the coast of Georgia prevented the SS Republic from continuing. That evening saw her hull leaking, resulting in the fire in the boiler being snuffed out. The ship stalled in the heavy seas, taking on water at an alarming rate. At 4 p.m. on October 25 she sank. All passengers and crew had taken refuge in four lifeboats and a rough and ready raft. Two days later, the desperate survivors were found by the sailing ship Horace Beals.