1857-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle 20A NGC MS67 Ex.SS Central America

Ex.SS Central America. Population of ONLY 3 coins with NONE finer!

Sold 8 years ago and described as "The present coin is of the Spiked Shield variety, the most commonly found of the many different 1857-S variants constituting the Central America horde--but of course, in such an uncommon grade, this piece in essence becomes the ideal, tied-for-finest type coin to represent the fabled shipwreck and its equally legendary legacy.

What first strikes the viewer is the roiling, swirling cartwheel luster present on the canary-yellow surfaces, which show a truly remarkable lack of abrasions of any size. Next one notices the full strike, which has completely delineated all the star centrils, the tiny individual strands of Liberty's hair, and all of the eagle's feathers. Of course, all of those individual attributes add up to enormous and memorable eye appeal, the most elusive numismatic criterion, but one that is present in spades on such a phenomenal treasure coin.

Lastly, it must also be noted that this amazing coin is among the finest Type One double eagles of any date, as NGC and PCGS combined have certified only 16 pieces of the type in MS67."