1857-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 20B PCGS MS65 Ex. SS Central America

Here’s a pristine gem state example of an 1857-S $20 Liberty head (20B “Bold S” variety) double eagle from the wreckage of the SS Central America. Coins such as this are eagerly sought, not only by double eagle specialists, but also by enthusiasts of Gold Rush history and shipwreck lore. The exclusive PCGS “Gold Foil Label” holder tells you that this piece is from the original retrieval of the tragic wreck of the SS Central America (SSCA).

PCGS has graded 228 of the 20B variety in MS65 with 49 finer. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $16,000.00 in MS65.

Commander William Lewis Herndon of the SS Central America, who went down with his ship. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Gold specialist Doug Winter writes of the 1857-S: "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 detail is excellent with detail not seen on most Type One issues from the San Francisco mint. The coins from the S.S. Central America are generally well-struck and show better overall detail than the coins which are not from this hoard."