1857-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. Variety-20A. Spiked Shield. With One Pinch of California Gold Dust. MS-64 (PCGS). This is a gorgeous Choice Mint State example of one of the most popular and widely collected issues in the Type I Liberty Head double eagle series. The strike is razor sharp and both sides display vivid golden-yellow patina and soft, attractive mint luster. As a technically superior and visually appealing 1857-S double eagle, this coin will have great appeal for gold type and date collectors.<p>This 1857-S double eagle traces its pedigree to the treasure recovered from the <em>S.S. Central America</em> shipwreck. Unlike in the East where paper money was readily accepted in commerce, gold and silver coins were preferred in the West. The coins struck at the San Francisco Mint, especially in its early years, entered circulation and remained there. This was especially true for double eagles which served as one of the principal denominations for larger transactions for generations. For many years, the best example of a Type I double eagle struck at the San Francisco Mint would be in the AU range. That all changed with the discovery of the wreck of the <em>S.S. Central America</em> in the late 1980s. When the <em>Central America</em> sank off the coast of North Carolina on September 12, 1857, the loss was so great that it contributed to the Panic of 1857 and led to thousands of bank failures. Along with gold ingots, nuggets, and other coins, the steamship was carrying a shipment of some 5,400 freshly struck 1857-S double eagles in its hold. Once the treasure was made available for sale, numismatists could not only acquire a Mint State example, but the majority of the recovered coins were in Choice to Gem Mint State grades. These high-quality double eagles have been eagerly sought, not only by double eagle specialists, but also by enthusiasts of Gold Rush history and shipwreck lore. This lovely historic double eagle will certainly please the successful bidder.<p>This coin is housed in a special large size PCGS holder that also includes one pinch of California gold dust. The back of the PCGS insert features the signature of Bob Evans, chief scientist and historian of the <em>S.S. Central America</em> treasure. Under Evans signature is the note: "I certify this coin and gold dust were recovered from the <em>S.S. Central America</em>." Also included in this lot is a cardboard Ship of Gold presentation box designed to house the large size PCGS holder, as well as a Certificate of Authenticity from David Hall in his capacity as founder of PCGS. <strong><em>The box and certificate are available to the winning bidder upon request to Stacks Bowers Galleries at the close of the auction</em></strong>. From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Earlier ex <em>S.S. Central America</em>. From the Q. David Bowers Collection. Earlier ex <em>S.S. Central America</em>.
