The SS Republic was a Civil War-era side-wheel steamship that sank in 1865 after battling a hurricane for two days. At the time, she was en route from New York to New Orleans carrying a large cargo of silver and gold coins and a stunning variety of everyday goods to help rebuild New Orleans’ ailing post Civil War economy. 137 years after she sank, more than 51,000 rare coins and over 14,000 artifacts were recovered from 1,700 feet beneath the ocean; it became the largest treasure trove of classic U.S. coins in history.  For more information on collectible coins click here