1857-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 20A PCGS MS64 Ex. SS Central America w/COA

Typical of an SS Central America double eagle, the surfaces are fully original and drenched in a thick, frosty mint luster. This piece is from the original retrieval mission of the Central America back in the late 1990's. The exclusive PCGS Gold Foil label tells you that this piece is from that first, earlier mission. Of the coins retrieved from the SSCA, PCGS has graded 58 of the Spiked Shield 20A variety of the 1857-S as MS64, with 2,238 finer. Collectors Universe prices this variety at $12,500 in MS64.

A golden treasure on the ocean’s floor from the wreckage of the SS Central America. Photo: PCGS.com.

The obverse of the $20 Double Eagle features a left-facing Liberty. A pearl-encrusted coronet inscribed with “Liberty” adorns her wavy hair, which flows down her neck. Thirteen stars that represent the original colonies/states surround her bust.

The reverse presents Longacre's exaggerated design, featuring a heraldic eagle, one that is quite different from eagles previously found upon our coinage. Dramatic rays emanate from the national bird, and a circle of 13 stars is found hovering over the eagle.

Two contrived ribbons encircle the awkward creature, one of which the eagle holds firmly in its beak. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is split between the two ribbons. A federal shield is found on its breast and arrows and the ivy branch of peace are found, respectively, in its right and left talons. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY D. surround the bird at the coin's rim.