1857-S Double Eagle $20 S.S. Central America PCGS MS64. 1857-S $20 Liberty Head, No Motto, SS Central America, 20B Bold S. On September 12, 1857 the SS Central America, laden with passengers and cargo including freshly minted gold double eagles, was lost to the depths in a hurricane 160 miles off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina while steaming towards New York. Dubbed the “Ship of Gold”, she would slumber there for more than 125 years before her treasure trove would be recovered. Perhaps nothing in numismatics is more intriguing than shipwreck treasure coins and the romance and history they embody. That infatuation is amplified when a stunning piece such as this is encountered.

This gorgeous double eagle, minted from California Gold Rush gold at the San Francisco Mint, was among the coins retrieved from the ocean’s floor and is ever so close to full gem condition. PCGS has encapsulated it with a special gold label denoting its pedigree and acknowledging it is the “Bold S” variety (one of 8 varieties within this date). This example possesses a bold strike resulting in exquisite detail on the devices. Rich satiny honey gold surfaces drip with original mint luster giving it a very “fresh” look as if it just left the Mint. This is a PQ++ double eagle with a famous shipwreck pedigree sure to stand out in any collection or investment portfolio.