1857-S Double Eagle $20 SS Central America, PCGS MS62. 1857-S $20 Liberty Head, No Motto, SS Central America, Double Eagle, Gold Tag, 20B Bold S. 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. That infatuation is amplified when the piece encountered is as fresh and wholesome as this was one is.
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 Bold S variety (one of 8 varieties within this date). The strike is full and quite bold creating excellent detail and rich frosty luster abounds giving the coin terrific eye appeal. Save for a couple very subtle breaks in the luster this coin would have achieved a significantly higher grade and accordingly commanded a much greater premium. This is an affordable and attractive shipwreck gold double eagle certain to please the most discriminating collector/investor. |
