1856 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS AU55 Ex. SS Central America

ONLY SIX (6) 1856 Philadelphia mint issues were salvaged from the FIRST SS Central America recovery-!

Here is a rare and beautiful survivor from the tragic shipwreck of the SS Central America.  The 1856 is the second rarest Philadelphia Liberty head double eagle struck in the 1850s (after the 1859). Its survival rate is lower than other similar double eagles produced in that time period and is very rare in high grades. This is a generally well-struck issue.

Includes (1) PCGS of 1,857 gold Rush Nuggets slabbed, weighing 1.5 grams!

Gold coins from the S.S. Central America on the ocean’s floor, before their being retrieved.

The obverse of the 1856 presents sharp details in Liberty’s hair, with the exception of the strands at the top that are typically weak. Often the stars offer full radial lines and the denticles are sharp. The reverse is generally well-struck, with some pieces displaying a minor weakness on the denticles from 4:00 to 7:00. The natural color seen on the 1856 ranges from medium green-gold to a lighter orange-gold. This piece offers that lighter orange-gold coloration. Writes gold specialist Doug Winter, “This date has long been a ‘sleeper’ and it is still my favorite Type One Philadelphia issue in regards to value.”