1857-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 20A PCGS MS66 (CAC) Ex.SS Central America /box

This specimen is one of the finest 1857-S double eagles we have offered here at AUCM. It displays the attractive mint luster typical to shipwreck salvaged coins, with surfaces that remain undiminished and unaltered by immersion in salt water for 130 years. Take a careful look at the images provided and you will see that the luster on this piece is nothing short of stunning.

PCGS has graded 130 of the 20A (Spiked Shield) variety as MS66 with just 8 finer. Collectors Universe prices this variety at $35,000.00 in MS66. In CAC, there are 76 in MS66 with 19 finer. CAC gives the 20A variety a price of $33,600 in MS66.

The gold coins and bars of the SS Central America on the ocean’s floor. Photo: PCSG.com.

Gold specialist Doug Winter writes, "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."