1855-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 14B PCGS AU55 Ex.SS Central America w/Box & COA

Here is an historic artifact of both the First San Francisco Mint and the tragic sinking of the SS Central America (SSCA) in 1857. It is also a quite beautiful coin. This example of the 1855-S $20 Liberty (Variety 14B, Faint S) is a more affordable option in its AU grade. Of those of this issue that were retrieved from the SSCA, there are 17 graded AU55 with 27 finer. The exclusive PCGS Gold Foil label holder is evidence of its SSCA pedigree.

A rare glimpse at the workings of the First San Francisco Mint, where this fine specimen was struck in 1855. Illustration titled “Running the Gold into Ingots” from: Library of Congress.

Doug Winter 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....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."