Among the treasures recovered from the Civil War-era steamship SS Republic®* were a number of 1860-O Seated Liberty Silver Half Dollars, especially significant for being dated 1860 - one of the most fateful years in American history. The profound divisions that would soon result in bloody conflict were becoming apparent in 1860. Lincoln's election in November triggered the secession of South Carolina from the Union in December - effectively dividing the nation. While political differences may have split the country in 1860, coinage kept both sides united. With the Civil War yet to begin, silver half dollars such as these would have lined the pockets of both the Southern plantation owner and the Northern abolitionist - or perhaps one of the very first Pony Express riders galloping out of Missouri carrying mail headed for Sacramento - maybe even Abraham Lincoln himself!

Struck at the historic U.S. Mint in New Orleans, 1860-O Seated Liberty Silver Half Dollars were among the last silver coins produced in New Orleans before the mint fell into the hands of the Confederate States of America in 1861. How these coins made their way to New York, where they were eventually loaded aboard the SS Republic, in 1865 for her final ill-fated voyage remains a mystery. Ironically, the coins aboard the SS Republic were enroute to New Orleans to help rebuild the war-ravaged South.

Each hand-selected 1860-O coin has been conserved, attributed and encapsulated with a pedigree label by NGC. Coins come presented in a hardwood display case with an engraved SS Republic plate affixed to the cover. Included is an illustrated booklet and National Geographic DVD documenting the discovery of the SS Republic by Odyssey Marine Exploration.

*SS Republic is a registered trademark of Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc.