1850 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle PCGS XF45 (CAC) Ex.SS Central America #1

We at AUCM are honored to offer an extremely rare shipwrecked example of the 1850 $20 Liberty double eagle, graded PCGS XF45 (CAC). This example is a survivor of the sinking of the S.S. Central America in 1857. However, much more significant was the loss of life the night of September 11-12, 1857: 425 of her 578 passengers and crew perished at sea in a category 2 hurricane with 105 MPH winds. Plus the sinking of 30,000 pounds (14,000 kg) of gold coins was a major contributing factor to the economic Panic of 1857. Considering such tragic events, this offering from AUCM is rich with history.

The obverse of the $20 Double Eagle features a left-facing Liberty design influenced by Greco-Roman sculpture. 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 date is found below the image of Liberty. 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.