1856-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 17C PCGS MS62 Ex.SS Central America

Here’s a beautiful honey-golden example of the 1856-S $20 double eagle to add to your collection. It was retrieved from the wreckage of the SS Central America during the first mission to gather its treasure.

The exclusive PCGS “Gold Foil Label” assures you of that pedigree. This is the 17C Full Serif, Bold Left S variety. Only 102 of the 17C were graded by PCGS. Of those, there are 4 in MS62 with 4 finer. The finest of them is MS64. Collectors Universe prices the 17C variety at $13,500.00 in MS62.

Depiction of the sinking of the S.S. Central America by J. Childs. National Maritime Museum, London. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Gold specialist Doug Winter discusses luster of the 1856-S Double Eagle: "This was a well-produced issue and higher grade pieces have excellent luster. This is usually frosty in texture although some semi-prooflike pieces are known."

 And its coloration: "The natural coloration on 1856-S double eagles is a rich rose-gold with olive hues .... it is possible for the collector to easily obtain a high-grade example with great color."

And the all-important eye appeal: "Even before the SSCA [SS Central America] shipwreck coins were uncovered, the level of eye appeal for this date was above average. The 1856-S is well-struck and many coins have good luster and nice color. With little effort, the collector should find a handsome example for his set."