1857-S $20 Spiked Shield MS64 Certification #05692579, PCGS #70000

The loss of California gold with the sinking of the S.S. Central America in part caused the panic of '57. Gold dust, ingots, and freshly minted coins from the goldfields of California were shipped for a voyage around Cape Horn to banks on the East coast. The S.S Central America went down in a storm after passengers and crew were rescued. The gold, however, went down with the ship into the Atlantic. This coin was salvaged from crates of newly minted coins not affected by seawater. Many of the specimens look today as if they were minted yesterday. A mint-made die line through the lower left shield border lends the Spiked Shield nickname. Well struck and lustrous with a splendid reverse and a carefully preserved obverse. This lot is accompanied by Certificate of Authenticity S.S.C.A. #2153, signed by Tommy Thompson of the Columbus-America Discovery Group. Also included is the presentation box and faux book of issue, the latter inscribed to the Jayne Family.(#70000) (Registry values: P2)