Variety 20G, “No Serif, High S.” SSCA #2948. Original gold foil label and box of issue, presentation box included.

By virtue of availability, the 1857-S double eagles from the legendary SS Central America shipwreck are much harder to find in AU55 and AU58 than in the higher Uncirculated grades. As a result, nice AU examples are in constant demand by collectors who want an affordable souvenir from this source.

This is an especially nice coin for the grade which would likely be an AU58 by today’s standards. It is lustrous and shows only the slightest wear with good eye appeal and pleasing toning. It was well-conserved and does not show the cloudiness on the surfaces that is seen on some examples.

Three PCGS AU55 examples in original gold foil holders have been sold since January 2013 and these sold for $5,581 in July 2014 (non-CAC), $5,313 in February 2013 (CAC approved) and $5,875 in January 2013 (Gold CAC).

This is a scarcer die variety and it comes with the original boxes.

CAC has approved 13 examples of Variety 20G with five in AU55 and only four in grades higher than this.