1856-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 17M PCGS AU55 Ex.SS Central America w/Box & COA

Here’s a great example of the 1856-S $20 Liberty for your collection. Graded PCGS "Gold Foil" AU55, this example is variety 17M (No Serif, Full A). Gold specialist Doug Winter writes on the popularity of collecting Type 1 Liberty head double eagles (1850-1866): "If I had to pick a single event as the impetus for the surge in interest for these coins, I would go with the discovery of the SS Central America shipwreck. I vividly remember the massive amount of interest these coins generated among collectors and non-collectors alike."

Of the coins retrieved from the SS Central America (SSCA), there have been 30 in AU55 (with the exclusive PCGS Gold Foil label), with 31 finer.

Winter discusses luster of the 1856-S Double Eagle: "This was a well-produced issue and higher grade pieces have excellent luster. This is usually frosty in texture although some semi-prooflike pieces are known."

 And its coloration: "The natural coloration on 1856-S double eagles is a rich rose-gold with olive hues .... it is possible for the collector to easily obtain a high-grade example with great color."

And the all-important eye appeal: "Even before the SSCA [SS Central America] shipwreck coins were uncovered, the level of eye appeal for this date was above average. The 1856-S is well-struck and many coins have good luster and nice color. With little effort, the collector should find a handsome example for his set."

Photo of a young woman retrieved from the wreck of the SSCA. She has been dubbed the ‘Mona Lisa of the Depths.’ Photo: Wikimedia Commons.