1849 $20 SS CENTRAL AMERICA GOLD 1 OZ – .9999 PURE GOLD RESTRIKE PCGS GOLD LABEL SP68

Introducing the 1849 Type I Double Eagle SS Central America Commemorative Restrike
The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 ignited the California Gold Rush, one of the most transformative events in American history. As thousands of fortune seekers flooded into the West, vast quantities of gold were unearthed, forever altering the national economy. The influx of raw gold created a critical need for a higher denomination coin to facilitate large transactions and absorb the growing supply of bullion entering the U.S. Mint.

In response, Congress passed the Act of March 3, 1849, authorizing the creation of a bold new $20 gold coin—dubbed the “Double Eagle.” That same year, the U.S. Mint struck two coins as prototypes: the 1849 $20 Liberty Head Double Eagle. Designed by Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, the obverse featured a classical Liberty crowned with a coronet, while the reverse displayed a majestic heraldic eagle—emblems of American strength and aspiration.

Never released into circulation, there is but a lone known specimen preserved by the Mint as a pattern coin. It now resides in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Numismatic Collection and is widely regarded as the most valuable coin in existence, with notable experts placing its value at over $25 million—not just for its rarity, but for its profound historical significance.

“I was blown away when I received my 1849 $20 SS Central America in SP69! Being struck from S.S. Central gold makes it a ‘forever’ coin in my collection.”
— Dwight Manley, Professional Numismatist, Advanced Collector & Philanthropist

But the story doesn’t end there…

In 1857, the SS Central America, a steamship carrying tons of freshly minted coins and California Gold Rush ingots, sank in a hurricane 200 miles off the Carolina coast—taking with it over 400 lives and a fortune in gold. This tragic loss contributed to a national financial panic known as the “Panic of 1857” and became one of the most infamous shipwrecks in American history.

Over a century later, co-discoverers Bob Evans and Tommy Thompson located the wreck and recovered an astonishing cache of Gold Rush treasure—dubbed “The Greatest Treasure Ever Found” by Life Magazine—including pristine ingots from California’s golden hills. These rare artifacts created a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor one of numismatics’ most legendary coins.

In 2025, gold from the SS Central America was used to create a series of extraordinary restrikes of the 1849 $20 Liberty Double Eagle. Struck in both Specimen Proof-Like, to replicate the original Smithsonian pattern, and an ultra-limited Proof Deep Cameo finish, these coins are a tribute to the Gold Rush, the original 1849 Double Eagle, and the maritime legacy of the Ship of Gold.

“I received the '49 this afternoon. It's beautifully done, just as advertised. I suppose the polishing lines in the obverse field (also visible in your photos) are there by design because they're on the original? They give it some authenticity. I also see the Easter eggs on the reverse, including the dual dates, '1857' in the scrollwork to the left of the shield and '2025' to the right. Is that supposed to be the SS Central America within the oval of stars above the eagle? Nice touch; that must have been a challenge. Give my regards to the engraver for a great job.”
— Mike I., Advanced Collector

Today, these coins are recognized as part of the legendary Type I Double Eagle series—one of the most beloved in all of American numismatics. Seven different dates from the series appear in The 100 Greatest U.S. Coins—more than any other series—highlighting their popularity, historic importance, and collector demand.

Finest Known founder Adam Crum—a leading authority on the California Gold Rush, Type I Double Eagles, and shipwreck coins—collaborated with world-renowned engraver Ron Landis to bring these modern restrikes to life. Each coin was engraved with hand-finished dies using traditional techniques, making this likely the final masterpiece in Landis’ celebrated career.

“This is the closest any collector will ever come to owning the legendary 1849 Double Eagle. The craftsmanship and authenticity are absolutely stunning.”
— David L., Collector and Historian

“Holding this coin in your hand feels like holding a moment in time—one forged from gold, loss, and rediscovery.”
— Thomas E., Professional Numismatist

“As someone who collects early gold, this is a dream piece. It’s as much about the story as the coin—and what a story it is!”
— Michelle R., Advanced Collector

Now, for the first time, collectors and history enthusiasts can own a tangible piece of this epic saga. These SS Central America 1849 Double Eagle commemorative coins—struck in authentic California Gold Rush gold recovered from the ocean floor—are available in stunning Specimen Proof-Like and ultra-premium Proof Deep Cameo finishes. Each coin is a museum-worthy masterpiece of numismatic art.

Don’t Miss This Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Whether you're a seasoned collector or newly inspired by the drama of the Gold Rush, this is your chance to own a true piece of American history—crafted from legendary shipwreck gold and struck in homage to one of the most iconic coins ever minted.

Reserve your SS Central America 1849 Double Eagle commemorative coin today!