Owner Comments:
This coin is an original, "Gold Label" PCGS S.S. Central America shipwreck coin. As an MS66, it has beautiful eye appeal.
Of course, with the arrival of the SS Central America coins, the 1857-S has become, by far, the most common Type 1 Double Eagle. That means than many people only own this one example of the series -- their little piece of history.
I believe that this coin was largely responsible for the overall increased popularity of the Type 1 Double Eagle series (and their prices!) during the progression of the decade. Certainly, I was a victim of its charm -- this was only the second coin I purchased of the series (after the 1865-S MS63 purchased at the suggestion of a very reputable, but high priced dealer). After two coins, I was hooked.
As a historical note, I find the period from 1850 to 1861 the most fascinating in US history. In 1857 the Supreme Court announced the Dred Scot decision,two days after President Buchanan hinted at the outcome. This decision was one of the key flashpoints that led to the civil war of the next decade. Interesting, President Buchanan (1857 - 1861) along with his predecesor, Franklin Pierce, are ranked by historians as one of the two or three worst presidents in US history.