Collection: St. Gaudens $20 (1907 - 1933)

Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle (1907–1933)

The Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever produced. Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of his quest to elevate the artistry of American coinage, this iconic coin debuted in 1907 and became a symbol of America's economic strength during the early 20th century.

Key Features

• Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
• Issue Dates: 1907–1933
• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
• Diameter: 34 mm
• Weight: 33.43 grams (515.99 grains)
• Edge: Lettered with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and interspersed stars

Design Overview

Obverse:

The obverse showcases a powerful depiction of Liberty striding forward, holding a torch in her right hand symbolizing enlightenment and an olive branch in her left, representing peace. Radiant sun rays and the U.S. Capitol building serve as the background, with LIBERTY inscribed above and the date prominently displayed.

Reverse:

The reverse features a majestic eagle in flight, bathed in the rays of a rising sun. The inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY DOLLARS are prominently displayed above the eagle.

Historical Significance

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle replaced the Liberty Head design after nearly 70 years, reflecting Roosevelt's vision for a more artistic coinage. Its debut in High Relief created coins with a medal-like quality, though these proved impractical for mass production. Later issues transitioned to a lower relief for ease of minting and stacking.

The Saint-Gaudens design was so admired that it inspired the obverse of the modern American Gold Eagle bullion coin, first issued in 1986 and still produced today.

Collecting Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles

Type 1: High Relief (1907)

• Mintage: 11,250 business strikes

• Description:
  The High Relief coins are considered masterpieces of numismatic art. They feature the date rendered in Roman numerals (MCMVII) and have an exceptionally sculptural appearance, reminiscent of a medal. Due to their beauty and limited mintage, these coins are highly sought after.

  Many surviving examples are in About Uncirculated (AU) or Mint State grades, though finding a flawless Uncirculated specimen is challenging. These coins were recognized as collector's items from the beginning and often sold at a premium.

Type 2: No Motto (1907–1908)

• Mintage: 483,448
• Description:
  Early Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles lacked the motto IN GOD WE TRUST due to President Roosevelt's personal objection to its inclusion. These coins were struck at both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. Examples in Extremely Fine (XF) to AU grades are readily available, with Uncirculated pieces being scarcer.

Type 3: With Motto (1908–1933)

• Mintage: 14,385,139

• Description:
  In late 1908, Congress mandated the addition of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the reverse, completing the design. The edge lettering also changed from 46 stars (representing the states in the Union at the time) to 48 stars starting in 1912. Production was sporadic after 1916, with several rare dates like 1927-D, 1920-S, and the legendary 1933, which remains one of the most valuable U.S. coins.

  Common dates from this type, especially those struck in Philadelphia from 1908 to 1928, are widely available and often held by investors as a form of gold bullion.

Investment and Numismatic Appeal

The Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle combines artistic beauty with historical significance, making it a favorite among collectors and investors alike. Its large size and nearly one-ounce gold content add to its allure as both a collectible and a hedge against economic uncertainty.

At ParadimeCoins.com, we offer an exceptional selection of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, ranging from high-grade investment coins to rare dates for advanced collectors. Whether you're starting a collection or seeking a specific rarity, explore our curated inventory to secure a piece of American history today.