1854-S $20 MS62 NGC....

Description

1854-S Twenty, MS62
Likely S.S. Yankee Blade Coin

1854-S $20 MS62 NGC. In 1854, the San Francisco Mint opened and began producing coins from California gold rush yields. Production focused on double eagles, of which 141,468 were struck. In that same year, the S.S. Yankee Blade smashed onto a rock off the coast of Santa Barbara and sank. Along with 900 passengers (most of whom survived), the ship was carrying $152,000 in gold coins. In 1977, a recovery of the shipwreck produced some 250 1854-S double eagles, this example likely among them.

Several characteristics identify this coin as a shipwreck example. Uncirculated representatives were virtually unknown prior to the discovery of the sunken ship. Additionally, the surfaces of this piece feature granularity typically seen on recovered coins. A series of obverse and reverse die cracks, as well as a broken A in STATES only add to the likelihood that this piece is in fact from the S.S. Yankee Blade. Orange-gold coloration and a full strike further add to the appeal of this historic S-mint twenty.(Registry values: N4719)

Coin Index Numbers: (NGC ID# 268U, PCGS# 8913, Greysheet# 9849)

Metal: 90% Gold, 10% Copper
Weight: 33.44 grams
AGW: 1.06oz
Mintage: 141,468

Note for clients in the European Union: This lot is considered by the European Union to be “investment gold”. We believe that it meets the criteria established in Article 344(1), point (2) of Council Directive 2006/112/EC and thus should be exempt from import VAT regardless of the selling price. Any questions or concerns about VAT should be addressed to your accountant or local tax authority.

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