1857-S $20 Liberty SSCA Spiked Shield PCGS MS66

Introduction

The 1857-S $20 Liberty SS Central America “Spiked Shield” variety, graded PCGS MS66, is one of the most remarkable survivor coins from America’s most storied shipwreck. Recovered from the SS Central America, also known as the “Ship of Gold,” this Double Eagle boasts extraordinary luster, preservation, and historical allure. Displaying a sharply struck Liberty design with the famous Spiked Shield feature on the reverse, this piece offers collectors a rare combination of condition, provenance, and visual quality—making it one of the finest known examples of this legendary gold issue.

History

Struck at the San Francisco Mint in 1857, this coin was produced during the pinnacle of the California Gold Rush. The 1857-S Double Eagle played a critical role in fueling America’s expanding economy, with much of its gold sourced directly from Western mines. A portion of these coins was loaded aboard the SS Central America, which sank in a hurricane off the Carolina coast in 1857—one of the most significant financial disasters of the 19th century. Rediscovered in the late 20th century, the treasure included a cache of remarkably preserved gold coins, protected for more than 130 years deep beneath the ocean. Today, these shipwreck coins represent an irreplaceable chapter of American maritime and monetary history.

Design

The obverse features James B. Longacre’s elegant depiction of Liberty wearing a coronet, encircled by thirteen stars representing the original colonies. The reverse shows a heraldic eagle with a shield, clutching arrows and an olive branch. This example displays the notable “Spiked Shield” variety—identified by a visible die spike extending from the top of the shield, adding further scarcity and collector interest. Struck in 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 33.44 grams and measuring 34 mm in diameter, this MS66 specimen exhibits rich frosty luster, exceptional detail, and remarkable preservation rarely seen on pre-Civil War gold coinage. With its combination of shipwreck provenance, high grade, and distinct die variety, this coin stands among the most desirable Liberty Double Eagles available.