1857-S PCGS MS-64 (20A) $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle – SS Central America Shipwreck with Gold Pinch

1857-S PCGS MS-64 (20A) $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle – SS Central America Shipwreck with Gold Pinch

From 1850 to 1907, the Liberty Gold Double Eagle served as the United States’ official $20 circulating gold coin. Designed by James B. Longacre, the U.S. Mint’s fourth Chief Engraver, each coin contains .9675 troy ounces of gold and represents the strength of America’s expanding economy during the Gold Rush era.

This remarkable example was struck at the San Francisco Mint and bears the “S” mint mark. It once formed part of the legendary treasure aboard the S.S. Central America, famously known as the “Ship of Gold.” After sinking in a devastating hurricane in 1857, the wreck remained lost beneath the Atlantic Ocean for more than 130 years before its historic recovery.

Classified under the coveted “20A” designation, this coin was carefully conserved and authenticated during the second recovery effort from the shipwreck. It is slabbed and graded MS-64 by PCGS, housed in a special slab with a Gold Foil Label, and accompanied by an authentic gold pinch—an extraordinary addition that further connects this coin to its Gold Rush heritage.

Today, SD Bullion proudly offers the 1857-S PCGS MS-64 (20A) $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle – SS Central America Shipwreck with Gold Pinch.

Coin Highlights

• Slabbed and graded MS-64 by PCGS;
• “20A” designation authenticated from the second SS Central America recovery effort;
• Housed in a PCGS slab with a Gold Foil Label;
• Accompanied by a genuine gold pinch;
• Contains .9675 troy oz of gold;
• Produced by the United States Mint;
• Struck at the San Francisco Mint with an “S” mint mark;
• Pre-1933 American gold coin;
• Sovereign coin with legal tender status and a $20 face value;
• The obverse features Longacre’s Liberty Head design;
• The reverse showcases the Heraldic Eagle.

The Design

The obverse depicts Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars surround her portrait, representing the original colonies, while the date appears below.

On the reverse, a Heraldic Eagle spreads its wings while clutching arrows and an olive branch, with a national shield across its chest. A banner reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM” rests in the eagle’s beak. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” frame the design, while the “S” mint mark appears beneath the shield alongside the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

A PCGS MS-64 (20A) Coin

PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) certifies coins according to the Sheldon Scale, which ranks condition from 1 to 70. Mint State (MS) coins were never circulated, preserving their original detail. A grade of MS-64 indicates strong luster with light, visible marks and overall attractive eye appeal.

The coveted “20A” classification confirms this coin’s conservation and authentication from the second recovery of the SS Central America, reinforcing both its historical importance and collectible desirability.

Buy the 1857-S PCGS MS-64 (20A) $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle – SS Central America Shipwreck with Gold Pinch at SD Bullion

Own a tangible relic of the California Gold Rush and one of the most famous shipwreck recoveries in American history by purchasing the 1857-S PCGS MS-64 (20A) $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle – SS Central America Shipwreck with Gold Pinch online from SD Bullion, or contact our customer service team at 1(800)294-8732 during regular business hours.