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In our newest Hard to Find catalog, we had an fascinating discover from the briny deep! Lately, our consumers got here throughout a bunch of historic 1858-O Liberty Seated half {dollars} that had been recovered from the wreck of the SS Republic. However to inform that story, we’ve got to dive into the previous…
Simply previous to the beginning of the Civil Warfare, the state of Louisiana seceded from the Union and ratified the Accomplice structure. At the moment, the SS Republic (then named the Tennessee) was in port at New Orleans – and, consequently, turned Accomplice property. She was supposed for use as a blockade runner – steam ships that sailed items by the Union blockade. Nonetheless, the ship remained in port till 1864, when she was bought, repaired, and put again into service touring between New York and New Orleans. However the Republic‘s new profession could be short-lived.
A dangerous journey
S.S. Republic, Sure West, 1886, by T. HowardIt was October of 1865 – mere months after the Civil Warfare’s finish. The SS Republic set sail from New York Metropolis, bound for New Orleans. It was laden with provides, together with a reported $400,000 in gold and silver cash. This cargo was supposed to assist restore the war-ravaged metropolis.
Nonetheless, simply days into its voyage, the Republic met with catastrophe. A storm rolled in from the South, shortly growing right into a hurricane. The ship was tossed about within the tough seas, and on October 25 her crew and passengers had been compelled to evacuate. The ship disappeared beneath the waves quickly after – and along with her, all treasures on board.
Misplaced – and located
It was thought that the Republic and her treasures could be misplaced to the annals of historical past. And, for greater than 135 years, that’s precisely what occurred. However then, in 2003, a crew of explorers found the placement of the SS Republic. She was 100 miles southeast of Savannah, Georgia in 1,700 ft of water.
Following an progressive restoration effort, a formidable variety of artifacts had been recovered from the wreckage. Along with video games, the ship’s bell and gadgets preserved in bottles, an unimaginable 51,000 gold and silver cash had been recovered from the SS Republic. That features these Seated Liberty half dollars – which, sarcastically, had been struck on the New Orleans Mint!
Sure – cash struck in New Orleans had made their solution to New York, solely to be positioned on a ship sure for his or her homeland.
What’s your favourite story of misplaced treasure? I’d love to listen to about it within the feedback part under!
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