In October 1865, with the US Civil War behind, efforts to rebuild were underway. The S.S. Republic steamer, loaded with gold and silver coins, sank during its journey from New York to New Orleans. BGASC now offers the 1858-O Seated Liberty Silver Half Dollars from this shipwreck with NGC certification.

Highlights:

• Securely packaged in NGC plastic slabs!
• Minted in 1858 at the New Orleans Mint!
• Sank in October 1865 with the S.S. Republic!
• Contains .3599 Troy oz of actual silver content.
• Issued a face value of $.50 (USD) by the United States.
• Guaranteed genuine from the S.S. Republic shipwreck by the NGC.
• Obverse features the image of Seated Liberty.
• Reverse showcases the heraldic eagle.
• O mint mark from the New Orleans Mint.

These 1858-O Seated Liberty Silver Half Dollars are certified by NGC, verifying their origin from the S.S. Republic wreck discovered in 2003, with 51,000 coins recovered.

Obverse

On the obverse of 1858-O Seated Liberty Half Dollar Coins, Liberty sits on a rock, holding a staff with a Phrygian cap. Christian Gobrecht’s depiction of Liberty was featured across five denominations of American coinage through 1891.

Reverse

The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with the US national shield, arrows of war, and an olive branch. An O mint mark is beneath the eagle’s talons.

History

The Seated Liberty Half Dollar, in production from 1836 to 1891, played a pivotal role post-Civil War. The 1858 Seated Liberty Half Dollar, part of a $400,000 cargo on the S.S. Republic, reflects the resurgence of the New Orleans Mint. These coins were among the final specimens struck at the New Orleans Mint prior to the Civil War. The New Orleans Mint would not return to operation as a branch mint until 1879 after the Reconstruction Era ended in the American South.

Ordering

For any questions, reach out to BGASC at 888-992-4272. Connect with us online or send us an email.