1865-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC MS63 Ex.SS Republic

Here’s a rare beauty that is rich with history: the U.S. Civil War and the tragic sinking of the S.S. Republic. Please take a careful look at the images provided by AUCM. You may be looking at the new centerpiece of your numismatic portfolio! NGC has graded 112 as MS63 with 150 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue at $20,000.00 in MS63.

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 were 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.