Lot 1381
1843-O Small Date SS New York. NGC graded MS-61. Well struck, untoned with luster adhering to the protected areas. Housed in a special leather book "SS New York - Gentlemen of Fortune'. Pop 38; 37 Finer.
The SS New York was a sidewheel steamship that, during the 1840s, regularly shuttled passengers and cargo between Galveston, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1846, just a few months after the Republic of Texas joined the Union as the 28th state and the start of the Mexican-American War, the SS New York set sail on September 5 from Galveston headed for New Orleans carrying 53 passengers and crew along with an estimated $40,000 - a numismatic value in the millions today - in gold and silver coins.
Early morning on September 7 found the ship caught in the throes of a hurricane fighting to survive. Water began filling the hold through a split in the side of the hull. As the ship began tilting, passengers and crew worked together to bail out the hold. Eventually the storm won the battle as water overtook the boilers and the fires went out. Passengers and crew grabbed anything that could float. As though the archangel Michael was announcing his arrival, a single note rang out from the ship's bell as the ship rolled one last time and sank, according to one colorful account of the tragedy.
Estimated Value $1,300 - 1,400.
From the S.S. New York. The Arden Collection.
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| Realized $5,060 |
