On October 3rd, 1857, the S.S. Central America was lost to the sea, along with 435 passengers and three tons of gold. The majority of the gold on board were gold coins. Lost to time, the ship became infamous, commonly referred to as the "Ship of Gold."
Recovery of the ship's treasures has been underway since the late 1980s, allowing for finds such as the 1857 S-Mint coins, but the most spectacular recovery was two 1857-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagles. These coins are ultra-rarities and gems of numismatic history. Valued at $350,000, this coin is a unique and rare investment opportunity.
Call (877) 209-2169 to reach an Account Representative for more information and current inventory availability.
Shipwreck & Recovery
On October 3rd, 1857, the S.S. Central America was lost to the sea, along with 435 passengers and three tons of gold. The majority of the gold on board were gold coins. Lost to time, the ship became infamous, commonly referred to as the "Ship of Gold."
Recovery of the ship's treasures has been underway since the late 1980s, allowing for finds such as the 1857 S-Mint coins, but the most spectacular recovery was two 1857-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagles. These coins are ultra-rarities and gems of numismatic history. Valued at $350,000, this coin is a unique and rare investment opportunity.
The S.S. Central America sailed during the California Gold Rush era. It was built to serve as a passenger and cargo vessel, transporting people and supplies between the eastern coast of the United States. The ship played a vital role in the era's booming economy, ferrying large amounts of gold and other valuable cargo.
In September 1857, the S.S. Central America encountered a powerful hurricane while traveling from Panama to New York City. The storm caused catastrophic damage and eventually sank the ship off the coast of South Carolina. The vessel and its precious cargo sank over 7,000 feet to the ocean floor.
The S.S. Central America was carrying an estimated three tons of California gold, worth around $2 million at the time. Additionally, the ship held a variety of valuable items, including passenger luggage, personal belongings, and gold coins. The ship's sinking resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and dealt a severe blow to the U.S. economy, as the gold onboard represented a significant portion of the country's financial reserves.
For over 130 years, the S.S. Central America and its treasure remained undiscovered, buried beneath the sea. However, in 1988, a team located the shipwreck and embarked on a groundbreaking recovery mission. The operation involved the recovery of thousands of gold coins, bars, and artifacts from the ocean floor.
The recovered artifacts from the S.S. Central America are not only prized for their historical value but also serve as a tangible link to the past. Some of the coins and gold bars have been sold to collectors, while others are displayed in museums and exhibitions around the world.
The 1857-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle
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The U.S. Gold Bureau is proud to announce we were able to get a hold of one of these marvelous coins. The near-pristine double eagle combines canary gold surfaces with crisply struck details to deliver an unbelievable Type One $20. Known for its vibrant luster, this piece does not disappoint with swirling luster across its flawless surfaces. An amazing superb gem that is both inherently rare as a Type 1 double eagle and conditionally rare as an MS67+. Add to this the historical significance of both the shipwreck and its discovery a century and a half later; this is a stunning example of both American and numismatic histories.
Call (877) 209-2169 to reach an Account Representative for more information and current inventory availability.
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byUnited States Gold Bureau