$20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coin
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin is a numismatic treasure, celebrated for its stunning design, historical significance, and rarity. Designed by the prominent sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, it remains one of the most iconic coins in the history of American Coinage.
Investing in these coins can provide financial security and a tangible connection to American history.
History of the $20 St. Gaudens Gold Coin
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin was minted from 1907 to 1933. President Theodore Roosevelt specifically requested Saint-Gaudens to beautify American coinage.
Saint-Gaudens original design elements were featured in ultra high-relief. However, they proved difficult to mint, requiring multiples strikes and causing delay in production. Eventually, they settled for a lower relief version, to facilitate mass production using high-speed coinage presses.
Three US Mint branches were responsible for the Saint-Gaudens $20 gold coin:
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The Philadelphia Mint, with coins bearing no mint marks;
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The Denver Mint, with the "D" mint mark; and
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The San Francisco Mint, with the "S" mint mark.
Composition and Face Value
The Double Eagle coins hold a face value of $20, the largest circulating denomination among American gold coins.
These coins were minted with an alloy of 90% gold and 10% copper, with 0.9675 troy ounces of actual gold content.
Design and Features of the Saint-Gaudens Coin
The obverse of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin showcases a stunning depiction of Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch. This design element symbolizes enlightenment and peace. On the lower left side, we can see the Capitol Building, representing democracy and a limited government. The mintage year is inscribed on the right.
On the reverse, a majestic eagle soars above a radiant sun, representing freedom and power. Initially, the design was struck with no motto. However, due to public outcry, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added on the reverse in 1908, right above the rising sun.
The coin's mint marks, indicating its place of origin, is located on the reverse below the eagle's tail feathers. This intricate design and attention to detail make the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle one of the most beautiful gold coins ever produced.
The coin was also struck in proof version from 1907 to 1915.
Reuse of the Design in American Gold Eagle Coins
Saint-Gaudens Lady Liberty design on the obverse of the double eagles was so popular, that in 1986, the US Mint revamped it for the American Eagle gold coins. The collection includes a 1 troy ounce version, and fractional sizes, in bullion, uncirculated, and proof finishes, carrying on the legacy of St. Gaudens to this day.
Investing in Double Eagle Gold Coins
The Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle is highly sought after by investors and collectors alike. Its value is determined by its rarity, condition, and gold content. With 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, the coin is a significant investment in precious metals. Certain dates and mint marks, such as the rare issues from the Denver Mint, are especially valuable.
Investing in the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin can provide a hedge against inflation and serve as a reliable store of value. These coins can range from a few thousand dollars to over $1 million, depending on their condition and rarity.
The Rarity of the 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
The 1933 Double Eagle gold coin is among the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. Although minted in 1933, the majority were melted down due to the Great Depression and the subsequent gold confiscation act.
Fewer than a dozen are known to exist today, making them highly prized numismatic treasure by collectors and investors. In fact, the 1933 Double Eagle holds the record for the most expensive coin ever sold in the world, selling for $18,900,000 at an auction in 2021.
Collecting Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins
Collecting pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, including the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, is a rewarding and challenging hobby. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin is a key piece in any American gold coin collection due to its stunning design and historical significance. Collectors can explore various dates and mint marks, each with unique characteristics and value.
The Legacy of Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Augustus Saint-Gaudens was a renowned sculptor and artist, best known for his design of Double Eagle gold coins. Specifically requested by President Theodore Roosevelt, Saint-Gaudens’s work was pivotal in transforming American coinage. Despite Saint-Gaudens's declining health, he created a design that remains one of the most iconic in numismatic history.