We recently acquired a very nice holding of 1857-S double eagles, the key featured items from the fantastic sunken treasure of the S.S. Central America, lost at sea on September 12, 1857, carrying to the bottom of the ocean, 7,200 feet down, the most valuable (from a numismatic viewpoint) shipment of gold coins and ingots ever lost. The finding of these in the late 20th century and their presentation to the numismatic community was a sensation, called in 2000 "The Story of the Year" by Beth Deisher, Editor of Coin World. The group here are all in the original PCGS holders with Gold Seal on the holders, pieces that are becoming increasingly hard to find today. The reason? Many of them have been broken out of the holders and resubmitted to various services in the hope of grading them a notch or two higher. As such, it is appropriate to say that the old-time grading on the present coins, done about a decade ago, could well be conservative by today's interpretations.
Any single example from this group will be a numismatic treasure, of course, but will also evoke a rich historical connection with the Gold Rush, the lost ship, and more.
1857-S S.S.C.A. $20. 20D. Bold 7. Faint S. AU-58 (PCGS Gold Seal). (CAC).
Attractive orange gold with intense lustre and rich rose highlights. A few light ticks and a hint of rub on the obverse high points account for the grade-we've all seen coins with lesser eye appeal given finer grades by third-party certification firms. Choice at many levels.
| $5,000 |  |
1857-S S.S.C.A. $20. 20C. Bold 7. Narrow S. MS-62 (PCGS Gold Seal). (CAC).
Frosty honey gold with intense cartwheel lustre and impressive mint bloom, especially in the protected design areas. Choice for the assigned grade.
| $6,200 | |
1857-S S.S.C.A. $20. 20A. Spiked Shield. MS-65 (PCGS Gold Seal). (CAC).
Intensely lustrous honey gold with deepening orange frost at the rims. Nicely struck and aesthetically appealing, a truly pleasing "treasure" from the S.S. Central America hoard.
| $13,000 | |
1857-S S.S.C.A. $20. 20A. Spiked Shield. MS-65 (PCGS Gold Seal). (CAC).
Another appealing gem from the S.S. Central America hoard, this with eye appeal and surfaces that readily uphold the rigors of the assigned grade. Frosty honey gold with strong cartwheels and pale olive highlights.
| $13,000 | |