1838 $5 Classic Head Half Eagle NGC MS-62 Ex.Steamboat North Carolina

The Sinking (July 24–25, 1840) The Wilmington and Roanoke Railroad operated two sister steamboats — the North Carolina and the Governor Dudley — providing overnight passenger and mail service between Wilmington, NC and Charleston, SC. On the night of July 24, 1840, the vessels were traveling toward each other on opposite routes. At 1 a.m., the mates spotted each other and continued forward as was custom, each bearing slightly right. At the critical moment, the Dudley suddenly veered right while the North Carolina's mate threw his wheel hard left. The collision was unavoidable. The Dudley struck her sister ship amidships, nearly cutting her in two. Within ten minutes the North Carolina was gone. Miraculously, all aboard were transferred safely to the Dudley.

The Salvage Effort In 2019, Blue Water Ventures International began an extensive survey and grid mapping of the wreck site off the Carolina coast. Using advanced sonar technology, the team successfully located the debris field. The most significant recovery to date has been three U.S. minted gold coins, likely belonging to passengers aboard the ill-fated vessel. There was one 1836 and two 1838 Classic Head Half Eagles recovered, all certified by NGC. This is one of the 1838 gold coins; the other, a MS63, is currently impounded in a private collection.