This 1857-S Liberty Double Eagle went down with the SS Central America in the hurricane of September 1857, then spent 131 years on the Atlantic seabed before divers reached the wreck. The ship carried tons of freshly minted California gold, and its loss rattled the nation's banks during the Panic of 1857. Coins recovered from the hold came up with their original mint surfaces largely intact, something almost no other 1857-S double eagle can claim. This piece carries the SSCA pedigree number 4155 and the 20A Spiked Shield die variety, a marriage that specialists track closely within the recovery.

The obverse shows the coroneted head of Liberty facing left, with LIBERTY across her coronet and thirteen stars ringing the border above the 1857 date. Hair detail runs sharp through the coils and the bun, and the stars show full centers. On the reverse, a heraldic eagle spreads its wings beneath a burst of rays and stars, clutching a shield with a scroll on either side. The Type 1 reverse reads TWENTY D. without the motto, and the S mintmark sits plainly below the eagle.

PCGS graded this double eagle MS-64, placing it near the top of the Mint State range for the date. Luster is strong and undisturbed across both sides, with warm orange-gold color and the frosty texture typical of San Francisco gold that never circulated. Marks are modest for the grade, and the strike holds up well on the shield lines and the eagle's wing feathers. Few pre-Civil War double eagles survive in choice condition with a documented shipwreck pedigree attached. A welcome addition to any collection of Type 1 Liberty Gold or SS Central America treasure.

For questions about this coin or to confirm availability and pricing, call us at 800-928-6468.

Wire or Check

Credit Card