1854 Liberty Head Double Eagle. Small Date. With One Pinch of California Gold Dust. MS-61 (PCGS). S.S. Central America Label.
This historic shipwreck treasure remains one of the finest survivors of the Small Date variety of this challenging Philadelphia Mint double eagle issue. It displays lovely apricot-gold color throughout. Fully struck with nicely composed surfaces at the assigned grade level, we see no marks or other blemishes that are worthy of individual attention. 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 S.S. Central America treasure. Under Evans' signature is the note: "I certify this coin and gold dust were recovered from the S.S. Central America." The year 1854 saw a significant downturn in the number of double eagles struck at Philadelphia over previous years with only 757,899 pieces produced. Instead of shipping gold to the East, now the newly inaugurated San Francisco Mint would require bullion for its own use. Two distinct date logotypes were used with small and large numerals. The majority of the coins struck used the smaller style logotype, making it the most frequently seen of the two varieties. Relatively available in VF and EF, the issue becomes increasingly challenging at the AU level and above. It is estimated that at most there are only 40 to 60 different Mint State specimens extant, mostly at the very lowest levels, making up barely 1 to 2% of the total surviving population. Resubmission to the certification services has likely inflated the overall figures and with recent shipwreck finds not making a significant impact, this is an issue that is likely to remain a notable condition rarity for quite some time. In fact, the offered coin is one of only 19 examples of the issue - both date logotypes combined - that Douglas Winter and Adam Crum (2002) report were included in the S.S. Central America treasure. Often overlooked in favor of the first double eagle issue from San Francisco, and far rarer in an SSCA holder than issues such as the 1856-S and 1857-S, this 1854 Philadelphia Mint $20 has much to offer the discerning collector of double eagles or shipwreck treasure.
PCGS# 670826. NGC ID: 268R.
PCGS Population (coin and gold dust combination only): 2; 0 finer.
Ex S.S. Central America.

Estimate: $10000