1865-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS MS-64 Ex.SS Brother Jonathan #594 CAC

1865-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, further endorsed CAC. By far the most sought-after United States shipwreck series, this Brother Jonathan is at the pinnacle of the survivors from that fabled shipwreck. This stunning $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, recovered from the SS Brother Jonathan shipwreck, is a standout addition to any high-grade type set or dedicated double eagle collection. Its surfaces display a captivating blend of rose-red patina over a vibrant orange-gold base, with the obverse showcasing the lighter hue more prominently. The coin is sharply struck, boasting a smooth, satiny texture that exudes quality and appeal.

Minted in 1865 at the San Francisco Mint, this double eagle was part of a production of just over one million coins, largely unaffected by the economic turmoil following the Civil War, which hit Eastern states harder. On July 28, 1865, the SS Brother Jonathan, a California Steam Navigation Company vessel, departed San Francisco for Portland, Oregon, carrying an estimated $500,000 in gold coins. Tragically, on July 30, the ship struck an uncharted rock near Crescent City, California, during rough seas, sinking rapidly with only 21 of the estimated 300 passengers and crew surviving. The wreck remained elusive for over a century until Deep Sea Research, Inc. located it in the 1990s, recovering over 1,200 coins, primarily pristine 1865-S double eagles. Before this discovery, collectors typically settled for circulated 1865-S $20 coins. The Brother Jonathan treasure has since enriched the numismatic world with exceptional specimens like this one, which is certain to delight its next owner.

Provenance: Ex SS Brother Jonathan.

Product ID	555763
Year	1865
Mint Mark	S
Strike	MS
Grade	MS-64
Variety	Ex.SS Brother Jonathan #594
Precious Metal Weight	0.9675 ozt Gold
Grading Agency	PCGS
Specification properties	CAC
Serial	07762706
Status	Active
Designation	-
Additional Info	-