1855-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 14D S Tilted Left PCGS AU55 Ex. SS Central America

Rare 14D 'S' tilt Left variety of the 1855-S double eagle. Only 53 of this variety was graded by PCGS in their exclusive Gold Foil holder. There are 17 that carry the very collectible grade of AU55, with only 16 finer. This is only the second double eagle issue produced by the new San Francisco Mint, for the Mint only opened its doors in 1854.

The original San Francisco Mint, where this piece was struck.

Doug Winters writes, "The 1855-S is one of the better made Type One double eagles from this mint. The obverse shows good hair detail with clear separation on many of the curls. The stars generally show full radial lines and the denticles are clearly separated. On the reverse, the wingtips are sometimes weak but the rest of the detail is sharp. The edges usually show a distinctly beveled appearance....The luster is frosty and it appears a bit subdued in comparison to the Philadelphia coins of this era....The natural coloration for the 1855-S double eagle is a medium to deep orange-gold....Coins from the S.S. Central America may show attractive medium gold hues....It is [easy] to find an 1855-S with good eye appeal....Many 1855-S double eagles are well struck and show above average luster."