1856-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 17N PCGS AU58 (CAC) Ex.SS Central America

Here’s a rare beauty that was retrieved from the tragic wreck of the SS Central America. Please take a careful look at the photos provided by AU Capital Management. It is the 17N variety—No Serif High Right S. PCGS has graded 74 of the 17N. Of those, there are 16 in AU58 with 20 finer. This variety is rare in CAC. There are 4 that carry the CAC green sticker in AU58 with only 2 finer.

This haunting image of a young woman was found among the wreckage of the SS Central America. She had been dubbed the “Mona Lisa of the Deep.” 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."