1857-S $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle, 20B variety PCGS MS64 Ex.SS Central America

Here’s a pristine example of an 1857-S $20 Liberty head (20B “Bold S” variety) double eagle from the tragic wreckage of the SS Central America. Coins such as this are eagerly sought, not only by double eagle specialists, but also by aficionados of Gold Rush history and shipwreck lore. The exclusive PCGS “Gold Foil Label” holder is evidence that this piece is from the original retrieval mission of the SS Central America (SSCA). PCGS has graded 374 of the 20B variety as MS64 with 274 finer. Collectors Universe prices this variety at $12,500.00 in MS64.

Gold coins on the ocean’s floor from the SS Central America at 8,000 feet in 34 degree water. Photo: pcgs.com/shipofgold.

Gold specialist Doug Winter writes of the 1857-S: "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 detail is excellent with detail not seen on most Type One issues from the San Francisco mint. The coins from the S.S. Central America are generally well-struck and show better overall detail than the coins which are not from this hoard."