| Description: |
A satiny gem with honey gold surfaces that project strong cartwheel lustre in a radiant
eye-catching display. One of just 14 gem MS-65 1865-S double eagles from the S.S. Brother
Jonathan treasure that were certified by PCGS; they certified two others from that
treasure at MS-66, but none finer. The appearance here of this historic coin is a
fortunate occurrence for collectors, for many of the 14 PCGS-certified MS-65 S.S. Brother
Jonathan double eagles have been put away in serious collections (for example, the present
Breck Collection specimen), with mainly MS-64 and lesser quality pieces making up the
aftermarket. When a gem treasure coin such as this comes on the market, you can be certain
specialists are quick to take note.PCGS Population: 19; 2 finer within the grade
designation (MS-66 finest).The story of the S.S. Brother Jonathan is now a familiar tale
in coin collecting circles, thanks largely to the incredible research and history
presented by Q. David Bowers in his landmark book The Treasure Ship S.S. Brother Jonathan,
Her Life and Loss, 1850-1865 (suggested reading for anyone with a penchant for
numismatics, history, and adventure). The offering of the present coin suggests an
abbreviated review of the S.S. Brother Jonathan treasure is in order, and we oblige with
the following:The S.S. Brother Jonathan, a "side-wheeler” steam ship, was launched
in Williamsburg (Brooklyn) New York in late November 1850. She took her name from a
nickname for the United States on the world stage ("Brother Jonathan” was as
familiar in its day as "Uncle Sam”). The ship passed to several owners over the
years, including Cornelius Vanderbilt, whose name at the time was practically synonymous
with ingenuity, wealth, and prosperity. In October 1854, the ship assisted in the rescue
and return to San Francisco of passengers from an ill-fated vessel named S.S. Yankee
Blade. The "Bro Jo,” (as many of us who had the pleasure of describing these coins
when they first hit the auction arena in the spring of 1999 have come to call her) even
underwent a name change, at one time called the Commodore before changing hands once again
and being renamed the Brother Jonathan. On July 28, 1865, the S.S. Brother Jonathan, with
60 known crew members and 142 known passengers, set off from San Francisco to Portland,
Oregon, on what would be its final voyage. The passage north was stormy, and the ship put
in at the sheltered harbor in Crescent City, California, near the Oregon border, on the
night of July 29. In the early afternoon of July 30, the S.S. Brother Jonathan left
Crescent City and headed into high and heavy seas. Unable to make sufficient progress, the
order was given to turn back to Crescent City; alas, the return trip was never completed.
Of the 202 listed aboard the ship (and an estimated 25 to 50 individuals not registered in
the ship’s manifest), just 21 are known to have survived!",From the Luther A. Breck
Collection. |
