1854-S Liberty Head Double Eagle. MS-61+ (ICG).

This is a fascinating example of the San Francisco Mint's first double eagle. Both sides exhibit sharp to full striking detail without even a hint of wear. Bold golden-orange patina is noted on surfaces that are matte-like in texture, with microscopic etching from exposure to sea water. The wreck of the S.S. Yankee Blade yielded approximately 200 to 300 AU and Mint State 1854-S double eagles. Most display etched surfaces from exposure to sea water, as here, and we are aware of at least three other specimens from that find that were struck from the same dies as the present example. Those coins were offered as lot 4414 in our August 2018 ANA Auction, as lot 5350 in our August 2019 ANA Auction, and as lot 1287 in our August 2020 Auction. All four examples display the same pattern of die cracks on both sides. We note the following cracks on the obverse: 1 - From the border between stars 6 and 7 to the front of Liberty's coronet. 2 - From the border through the left side of the digit 5 in the date to the bottom of Liberty's portrait. 3 - At the top of the digits 54 in the date. The reverse die is even more extensively cracked: 1 - From the border through the letter N in UNITED to the eagle's right wing. 2 - From the top of the same wing toward the letter D in UNITED. 3 - From the border to the left edge of the first letter T in TWENTY, then turning sharply into the field below the letters UN in UNITED. 4 - Through the top of the letters TWEN in TWENTY. 5 - From the lower border curving through the letter Y in TWENTY nearly to the S mintmark. Despite their long term exposure to sea water, the S.S. Yankee Blade 1854-S double eagles constitute the majority of high grade survivors of this conditionally challenging issue. These coins are eagerly sought by double eagle specialists, first year type collectors, California Gold Rush enthusiasts, and collectors of shipwreck treasure.

PCGS# 8913.

Estimate: $ 10000