1857-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 20A PCGS MS63 (CAC) Ex.SS Central America

This dramatic example is from the first retrieval mission of the SS Central America during 2003. The exclusive PCGS Gold Foil Label holder tells you that this important coin is from that first, earlier mission. Acquiring coins with the Gold Foil Label is important for aficionados of shipwreck gold coinage. PCGS has graded 348 of the 20A (“Spiked Shield”) variety of the 1857-S as MS63, with 1,891 finer. Collectors Universe prices this issue/variety at $10,000.00 in MS63.

A depiction of the sinking of the SS Central America. Image: Wikimedia Commons.

Gold specialist Doug Winter writes, "As a result of the discovery of thousands of choice to gem examples from the S.S. Central America treasure, the 1857-S has become the single most available Type One double eagle. The discovery [of the S.S. Central America treasure] literally kick-started the wider market for this series and today the 1857-S is desirable to collectors, investors, and history lovers alike .... This is a well-struck issue. The hair detail on the obverse is sharp with many of the curls and the strands at the top of Liberty's head showing individual definition. The stars usually have full radial lines and the denticles are sharp and clear. On the reverse, ... the overall [details are] excellent with detail[s] not seen on most Type One issues from the San Francisco mint."