1856-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Variety-17J. Split Serif. Gold S.S. Central America Label. MS-61 (PCGS). CAC.This is a lovely example with highly lustrous, satin-textured surfaces that are remarkably smooth for the assigned grade. Vivid rose-orange patina is also a strong suit, as are devices that exhibit sharp to full definition from the dies. Though nearly 1.2 million examples of this issue were produced, survivors are surprisingly scarce in Mint State. The recovery of 1,085 examples from the wreck of the S.S. Central America somewhat increased availability, though less than 500 pieces are likely to exist across all Uncirculated grades. The present offering is surely among the more attractive examples of this desirable Type I Liberty Head double eagle issue, appealing to both coin collectors and shipwreck enthusiasts.Ex S.S. Central America.
