1857-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-65 (NGC).，This fully struck, highly lustrous double eagle features overall pristine satin surfaces. Light pinkish-gold patina also adorns both sides and enhances this coins impressive appearance. It is sure to find its way into a high quality gold type set or specialized double eagle collection.<p>This 1857-S double eagle and others were originally lost on September 12, 1857, during a hurricane that caused the sinking of the <em>S.S. Central America</em>. Traversing the Caribbean and Atlantic between Panama and New York City with a stop at Havana, the steamer was transporting more than 500 passengers and crew along with over nine metric tons of gold from the hills of California. Intense wind and raging seas eventually plunged the vessel to the ocean floor, claiming over 400 lives and $1.2 million worth of gold (1857 value). Incorrectly, many historians have stated that the loss contributed heavily to the Panic of 1857, but this is not true, as the financial crisis began in the summer of 1857, well before this shipment of gold left California.<p>Left undisturbed for more than a century, the wreck was eventually discovered in September of 1988. Beginning in 1999 treasures from the shipwreck entered the collectibles market, followed by the marvelous "Ship of Gold" exhibit arranged by Dwight Manley. The ingots and coins have enchanted collectors and enthusiasts ever since. As the coins had settled to great depths, they were not disturbed and etched by the tidal forces that have marred the surfaces of so many other shipwreck recovery coins. A gentle bath, administered under the care of scientist and discoverer Bob Evans, conserved the surfaces, rendering them as brilliant as the day the coins left the San Francisco Mint.，PCGS# 8922. NGC ID: 2696.，，Ex S.S. Central America
