1856-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Variety 17J. Split Serif. Gold S.S. Central America Label. MS-61 (PCGS). A truly exceptional survivor from this issue with provenance to the <em>S.S. Central America</em> shipwreck. The eye appeal is truly superb, displaying lightly reflective fields with rich pinkish and bronze coloration accenting the surfaces. Well struck and intensely lustrous. 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 <em>S.S. Central America</em> 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; Heritages sale of January 2007, lot 6258.
