1855-S $20.00 NGC MS62

Before the discovery of a few choice Uncirculated examples in the S.S. Central America, the 1855-S was exceedingly rare in Uncirculated. It remains quite rare in Mint State, especially at the MS62 and higher level. Both services show a population of six in this grade with just two finer and given resubmissions, this probably means that around a half dozen are known in MS62 with another two or three better. This example doesn't appear to be from the SSCA treasure as it has a satiny look and no sign of seawater erosion in the surfaces. The color is a pleasing medium orange-gold hue with some rose around the devices. The surfaces are choice; a reverse grease stain at the F in OF through the top of the left wing serves as identification and it is mint-made. The last MS62 example of this date to sell at auction was Heritage 3/11: 4910, graded by PCGS, which brought $14,950. An important early San Francisco double eagle for the Type One specialist.