1855-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 14B PCGS MS61 Ex.SS Central America w/Box & COA

Here’s a great specimen to include in your numismatic holdings. Perhaps it could be the centerpiece of your collection. Rich with history, this 1855-S twenty was retrieved from the tragic wreck of the S.S. Central America (SSCA). The exclusive PCGS Gold Foil label tells you that this coin is from the first mission to salvage coins from the SSCA. This is the 14B (Faint S) variety of the 1855-S. PCGS graded 59 of the 14B. Of those, there are 4 in MS61 with 6 finer.

A rare glance at the workings of the First San Francisco Mint, where this piece was produced 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."