1865-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle NGC MS65 Brother Jonathan

1865-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle NGC MS65 Brother Jonathan

NGC MS65 | Recovered from the Brother Jonathan shipwreck | Population: 45 | Only 7 graded higher

• Year: 1865
• Weight: 33.44 grams
• Purity: .900 Fine Gold (90% gold, 10% copper)
• Era: Pre-33 U.S. Gold
• Mint: San Francisco (S Mintmark)
• Face Value: $20 USD
• Grade: Mint State 65 (MS65)
• Grading Service: NGC
• Shipwreck Provenance: Brother Jonathan
• Population: 45 coins graded MS65 by NGC
• Population Higher: Only 7 finer
• Historical Context: Struck in the year of Lincoln’s assassination and the end of the Civil War
• Surface Quality: Exceptional gem with strong luster and minimal marks

 This 1865-S $20 Liberty Gold Double Eagle, certified NGC MS65, is a stunning gem from one of the most storied shipwreck recoveries in numismatic history—the Brother Jonathan. Struck in San Francisco in 1865, this coin was minted during a monumental year in American history: the end of the Civil War and the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. It’s a true relic of a transformative period in the United States.

The Brother Jonathan was a sidewheel steamer that tragically sank off the coast of Northern California in July 1865 while carrying passengers and a substantial cargo of gold coins and bullion intended for post-war California banks. The shipwreck remained undisturbed until it was discovered over a century later, yielding a treasure trove of historic U.S. gold.

This particular example is among the finest known survivors, graded a prestigious Mint State 65 by NGC, with only 45 coins certified at this level and a mere 7 finer in existence. Its fully original surfaces, brilliant luster, and minimal abrasions place it firmly in the elite tier of shipwreck coins—making it not just a valuable numismatic item, but also a significant historical artifact.

Coins from the Brother Jonathan recovery have been extremely popular with collectors, just like those from the SS Central America, due to their scarcity, pedigree, and dramatic backstory. This extreme gem example stands out for its historical resonance, remarkable preservation, and treasure provenance. A true trophy coin for advanced Pre-33 gold collectors and shipwreck enthusiasts alike.