1857-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 20F PCGS MS63 (CAC) Ex. SS Central America with Pinch

This specimen exhibits the attractive mint luster typical to shipwreck salvaged coins, with surfaces that have remained undiminished and unaltered by immersion in salt water for 130 years. Plus it comes with an original gold pinch from the California Gold Rush. PCGS has graded 9 of the 20F variety (No Serif, Right S) as MS63 with just 3 finer. Collectors Universe gives this variety a price of $11,000.00 in MS63. In CAC, there are 4 in MS63 with 1 finer. CAC gives the 20F a price of $8,700.00.

Captain William Herndon, who went down with his ship (SS Central America) after doing what he could to help the passengers and crew.

Numismatic writer and gold specialist Doug Winter tells us, "The discovery [of the S.S. Central America treasure] literally kick-started the wider market for this series and today the 1857-S is desirable to collectors, investors, and history lovers alike. ... This is a well-struck issue. The hair detail on the obverse is sharp with many of the curls and the strands at the top of Liberty's head showing individual definition. The stars usually have full radial lines and the denticles are sharp and clear. On the reverse, ... the overall [details are] excellent with detail[s] not seen on most Type One issues from the San Francisco mint."