1856-S Double Eagle $20 SS Central America, 17L No Serif, Tilted S, PCGS MS62. The so-called 17L variety, with no serif and tilted S. Found aboard the SS Central America, this is one of many double eagles that were found aboard the ship when it was discovered in 1987. With the majority of these coins now immerged into the marked, offerings have become less frequent, especially so of very appealing pieces. While not the finest available of this date, the present offering does represent a coin with excellent eye-appeal, which should please every specialist of Double Eagle or San Francisco gold coinage.

The SS Central America no doubt is one of the most famous shipwrecks which have been discovered during the last couple of decades. In September of 1857, the vessel that is now nicknamed the ship of gold was lost at sea near the coast of South-Carolina. There it rested for 130 years, until 1987, when it was finally discovered and the valuable cargo was brought back to the service for the first time. Much has been written about this ship that does not need to be repeated. However, its story and research that has been conducted on this tragedy is extremely interesting, and a recommended interest for every serious coin collector or everyone with an interest in American history.

The time that this coin, which is identified as having been part of the tragedy sank to the sea, is what we now call the ante-bellum period of American history. So shortly before the American Civil War, the United States was much smaller than we currently know, with only California recently admitted to the Union. The discovery of large amounts of gold by the end of the 1840s had led to a major movement throughout the country, from the civilized and settled eastern States to the wild and unknown west, a territory which previously had belonged to the Spanish empire. However, less than ten years later, San Francisco and surroundings were much more populated, and even an official US Branch Mint had been established there in 1854.

In 1856, the San Francisco Mint produced an impressive 1,189,750 double eagles, the largest denomination and a direct result of the California gold rush. Of that mintage, the present coin is a prime uncirculated coin, despite having been on the bottom of the ocean for an impressive thirteen decades. Flashy and full luster is seen on both sides, which have been moderately in contact with other coins, most likely during the transportation that took it from California to the east. Light yellow-golden color looks pleasing in hand, and adds to the overall eye-appeal of this piece. The reverse is of much higher quality than the obverse, but both sides are truly uncirculated, as no wear is noted, even on the highest points. This coin has been certified by PCGS that identifies and certifies it as found on board of the SS Central America.