1855-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 14D PCGS AU55 Ex. SS Central America

Here's a scarce 14D 'S Tilted Left' variety of the 1855-S Liberty head double eagle. There have been just 53 of this variety graded by PCGS in their exclusive Gold Foil holder. Seventeen of them carry the very collectible grade of AU55, with only 16 finer. This is only the second double eagle issue produced by the new San Francisco Mint, for the Mint only began producing coins in 1854.

Haunting image of a young woman that was found upon the ocean floor among the wreckage of the SS Central America in 1857.

Doug Winters writes, "The 1855-S is one of the better made Type One double eagles from this mint. The obverse shows good hair detail with clear separation on many of the curls. The stars generally show full radial lines and the denticles are clearly separated. On the reverse, the wingtips are sometimes weak but the rest of the detail is sharp. The edges usually show a distinctly beveled appearance....The luster is frosty and it appears a bit subdued in comparison to the Philadelphia coins of this era....The natural coloration for the 1855-S double eagle is a medium to deep orange-gold....Coins from the S.S. Central America may show attractive medium gold hues....It is [easy] to find an 1855-S with good eye appeal....Many 1855-S double eagles are well struck and show above average luster."