1857-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle PCGS MS64 Narrow Serif

1857-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle PCGS MS64 Narrow Serif

PCGS MS64 | SS Central America shipwreck treasure | Rare “Narrow Serif” variety | Among the finest seen

• Year: 1857
• Weight: 33.44 grams (1.075 troy oz)
• Purity: .900 fine gold
• Type: Pre-33 U.S. Gold
• Mint: San Francisco (S mintmark)
• Face Value: $20
• Grade: PCGS MS64
• Origin: SS Central America Shipwreck
• Special Variety: Narrow Serif
• Pedigree: Shipwreck certification adds prestige and collectability

The 1857-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle is one of the most historically iconic gold coins in American numismatics—and this particular example, graded MS64 by PCGS, is a standout for multiple reasons. Not only does it come from the legendary SS Central America shipwreck—often called the "Ship of Gold"—but it also features the elusive and desirable Narrow Serif variety, a detail found in the typography of the date numerals that separates rare from routine.

The SS Central America was lost to a hurricane in 1857 while carrying tons of gold from the California Gold Rush, triggering the Panic of 1857. Recovered more than a century later from the ocean floor, these coins have become prized artifacts, representing both American ambition and resilience. Coins from this recovery, especially in high Mint State grades like this one, are in extremely limited supply and are coveted by both investors and advanced collectors.

This MS64 example is exceptional—exhibiting radiant luster, sharply struck devices, and an incredible surface quality. It’s one of the finest you’ll find and certainly one of the best Narrow Serif examples extant. The added pedigree of the SS Central America provenance and the seldom-seen typographic variety elevate this coin to elite status.

Whether you're a Civil War-era gold collector, a shipwreck treasure enthusiast, or an investor seeking a top-tier Double Eagle, this coin delivers rarity, history, and beauty in equal measure. It’s a gold relic with a story as rich as the metal from which it’s made.