1863-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle NGC AU-58 Small S Ex.SS Republic

This magnificent 1863-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, bearing the coveted small "S" mintmark and recovered from the storied wreck of the SS Republic, stands as a numismatic masterpiece steeped in historical grandeur.

The SS Republic, a paddlewheel steamship that met its tragic fate on October 25, 1865, during a ferocious hurricane, sank approximately 100 miles off the coast of Savannah, Georgia, in the Atlantic Ocean, at a depth of roughly 1,700 feet. Its discovery in August 2003 by Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., unveiled a treasure trove of gold coins, forever altering the numismatic landscape for certain San Francisco Mint issues. One might reasonably surmise that the recoveries from the SS Republic and its counterpart, the SS Brother Jonathan, diminished the conditional rarity of the 1863-S double eagle, transforming it from a near-mythical rarity to a merely scarce treasure.

Together, these shipwrecks yielded nearly 300 examples of the 1863-S, including an astonishing cache of nearly 70 Uncirculated specimens, each radiating the pristine allure of coins untouched by the rigors of circulation. This particular example, with its small S mintmark, gleams with historical significance and aesthetic splendor, showcasing the sharp detail and vibrant luster characteristic of the finest coins salvaged from the Republic’s watery grave. Forged at the San Francisco Mint during the tumultuous Civil War era, this double eagle embodies the resilience of a young nation and the bustling commerce of the American West. The SS Republic, laden with a fortune in gold, was en route from New York to New Orleans when it succumbed to the tempest’s wrath, taking with it a cargo that would remain entombed beneath the waves for over a century.

The recovery of these coins has not only enriched the numismatic community but also provided a tangible link to a pivotal moment in history, when maritime trade and the promise of wealth fueled the dreams of a burgeoning nation. This 1863-S double eagle, with its impeccable provenance from the SS Republic, is a testament to both numismatic rarity and the enduring allure of shipwreck treasures. Its surfaces, kissed by the glow of preserved gold, and its sharply struck details make it a crown jewel for collectors seeking a piece of history that transcends time, whispering tales of adventure, loss, and rediscovery.

Provenance: Ex SS Republic.

Product ID	555768
Year	1863
Mint Mark	S
Strike	MS
Grade	AU-58
Variety	Ex.SS Republic
Precious Metal Weight	0.9675 ozt Gold
Grading Agency	NGC
Specification properties	No
Serial	5086619-011
Status	Active
Designation	Small S
Additional Info	-