1857-S $20 Liberty Gold SS Central America Shipwreck PCGS MS-64

This 1857-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle represents one of the most historically significant shipwreck coins in American numismatics. Struck at the San Francisco Mint during the height of the California Gold Rush, this coin was aboard the SS Central America when the vessel tragically sank off the Carolina coast in September 1857. The loss of the Central America and its cargo of California gold contributed to the Panic of 1857, making these recovered coins tangible links to a pivotal moment in American economic history.

The obverse displays Liberty in profile facing left, crowned with a coronet inscribed "LIBERTY" and surrounded by thirteen six-pointed stars representing the original colonies. James Longacre's elegant design showcases Liberty's flowing hair cascading behind her neck in classical style. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a shield upon its breast and the inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY D." encircling the design.

Graded MS-64 by PCGS with special SS Central America shipwreck attribution, this coin exhibits attractive golden luster with well-preserved surfaces despite its underwater journey. The Liberty Double Eagle series remains among the most collected of all American gold coins, and shipwreck examples carry particular appeal for their dramatic provenance. The coin pictured is the exact coin you will receive.