1856-S Double Eagle (1856-S $20 SSCA) Liberty Head, No Motto, SS Central America, Gold Tag. 17J Split Serif. On September 12, 1857 the SS Central America, laden with passengers and cargo including freshly minted gold double eagles, was lost to the depths in a hurricane 160 miles off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina while steaming towards New York. Dubbed the Ship of Gold, she would slumber there for more than 125 years before her treasure trove would be recovered. Perhaps nothing in numismatics is more intriguing than shipwreck treasure coins and the romance and history they embody. No better example of that can be given than the coin offered here.
This gorgeous double eagle, minted from California Gold Rush gold at the San Francisco Mint, was among the coins retrieved from the oceans floor. PCGS has encapsulated it with a special gold label denoting its pedigree and acknowledging it is the Split Serif variety (one of 18 varieties within this date). This example is very well struck and retains a great deal of its original mint luster. Honey golden surfaces are notably absent of major distractions or abrasions providing terrific eye appeal. This is an affordable and attractive historic shipwreck gold double eagle that is certain to please the most discriminating collector/investor.
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