1865-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-65 (PCGS). A splendid example with blended rose-gold and deeper reddish-apricot patina blanketing both sides. The surfaces are as smooth as would be expected for the assigned grade and possess a softly frosted texture. A sharply executed strike adds to the appeal of this lovely and conditionally rare Gem.<p>On Sunday, July 30, 1865, the <em>S.S. Brother Jonathan</em> ran into an uncharted rock during a gale and sank off the coast near Crescent City, California, taking with it 219 people and a substantial golden treasure. In the 1990s, Deep Sea Research, Inc. located the wreck and in a series of exploration dives salvaged 1,207 coins, most of which were 1865-S double eagles. Prior to the discovery, Mint State survivors of this issue were extremely rare. More than 600 of the coins from the <em>S.S. Brother Jonathan</em> treasure are Uncirculated, however, realigning the 1865-S as one of the more available Type I Liberty Head double eagles in Mint State. Since these coins were fist sold at auction in 1999, they have been popular with high grade gold type collectors and double eagle enthusiasts, as well as with collectors of shipwreck treasure. Fully Gem with strong visual appeal, the present example is among the finest certified available today. Challenge to ponder: Try to obtain one double eagle from each of the famous treasure ship discoveries -- the <em>S.S. Brother Jonathan</em>, <em>S.S. Central America</em>, and <em>S.S. Republic</em>, examples of which are actually being offered in this sale! You can read a sketch of each treasure ship in the front pages of <em>A</em><em> Guide Book of United States Coins</em>, the famous Red Book. Ex <em>S.S. Brother Jonathan</em>.
