1857-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Variety-20E. Broken A. Gold S.S. Central America Label. MS-64 (PCGS).Delightful frosty surfaces are fully struck with a pretty blend of light rose and orange-gold patina.<p>Until the discovery of the S. S.<em> Central America</em> treasure, the early double eagles struck at the San Francisco Mint tended to remain in circulation once they entered daily use, making even the very lowest level Mint State specimens very challenging to locate. The more than 5,400 mostly Choice to Gem Mint State double eagles recovered from the wreck have since made this the quintessential Type 1 No Motto issue. The huge numbers of essentially Mint-fresh coins have also allowed numismatists a rare opportunity to closely examine die varieties for a series where this was not generally possible before. The Broken A variety can be readily identified by the missing crossbar of the first A in STATES on the reverse. Interestingly, while it appears to have been first described in Breens 1988 Encyclopedia as number 7188, Evans indicates that the Broken A "has been documented only on 1857 double eagles from the <em>Central America</em>." A fascinating variety in superlative condition ripe for further study by the astute student of Gold Rush double eagles.
