Shipwreck Coins and Artificacts

SS Republic Arrow and Rays Half Dollars

A rare variety of Seated Liberty Half Dollar silver coins are now available from the famous shipwreck, the SS Republic. The ship sank of the coast of Georgia in 1865. Described as "truly stunning" by numismatic experts, these coins are highly sought after. Owning one of the SS Republic shipwreck silver coins lets you own a piece of American history.

The SS Republic was a Civil War-era sidewheel steamship that sank after battling a hurricane for two days. The ship was en route from New York to New Orleans and was carrying a large cargo of silver and gold coins along with a variety of household goods to help to rebuild New Orleans' post-war economy.

Sao Jose Shipwreck 4 and 8 Reales

This is the first time that the shipwreck treasure coins from the Sao Jose are available. Fewer than 7,200 shipwreck coins are available worldwide!

The Sao Jose was a royal treasure cargo ship that was traveling to India to stimulate trade in Portugal's spice colonies. On board the ship was hand struck 4 and 8 Reale Cobs. It was a rare cargo to have a treasure ship carrying coins that were struck in the Old World and the New World. The coins are from Spain, Mexico, and Peru.

It was 1622 when the Portuguese treasure ship Sao Jose was traveling to India with its valuable treasure of valuable coins. The Sao Jose was captained by Fracisco Da Gama, the grandson of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama. The ship was captured by the British and Dutch, however, before the valuable treasure could be looted, the ship sunk to the bottom of the sea where it rested until 2005 when it was finally recovered.

The rare 4 and 8 Cob shipwreck coins were conserved and certified by NGC. Less than 7,200 of the shipwreck coins were recovered and as a result, worldwide demand for these treasure coins went up. So if you love the idea of shipwrecked treasures, hurry and invest in these coins while they are still available.

SS John Barry Silver Riyal

The Saudi Arabia Silver Riyals from this shipwreck treasure were secretly struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1944 and shipped off on the SS John Barry. The Silver Riyals were shipped off in an effort to pay the workers who were building an aviation fuel refinery to help win the war.

The SS John Barry never reached its destination as it was torpedoed by a Uboat and its valuable treasure of silver coins were only recently recovered. The coins say "Made in Mecca" as part of the subterfuge that was eventually revealed. Only a small limited number of the shipwreck coins are available.

SS Republic Bordeaux Style Wine Bottle

Here is another shipwreck artifact recovered from the SS Republic. These transparent green or colorless Bordeaux wine bottles were discovered at the shipwreck site. Many still contain their cork stoppers, now eroded with age. Each shipwreck artifact comes with a full color booklet about the SS Republic, a DVD of the National Geographic documentary detailing the ship's history and eventual recovery.

SS Republic Hostetters Bitters Bottle-amber

Here is another shipwreck artifact from the SS Republic. Dr. J Hostetter's Stomach bitters were promoted as an appetite stimulant and a way to force off impure bile. Dr. Hostetter claimed his secret formula got its potency from herbs and the 47% whiskey content was the best vehicle to deliver the remedy. This bottle is easily recognized by the name distinctly embossed on the side. Did passengers or crew members sip from this bottle to settle their nerves during the storm? No one will ever know.