Monday, May 21, 2012

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles (1907-1933)

General Coin Information

Considered by many to be the most beautiful coin every produced by the US Mint, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was struck from 1907-1933. Minted in 90% gold and 10% copper, the coins are highly sought after by many collectors, despite their cost.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was an eminent sculptor brought in by United States President Theodore Roosevelt to re-design American coinage to better reflect the beauty and power of the country. Unfortunately, Saint-Gaudens did not live long enough to make many designs, but his Double Eagle was enough to earn him a top place in American coin history.

Originally designed in ultra-high relief, the Mint was forced to change the image several times. The coin required up to eleven strikes to fully imprint the design which was time consuming, and the raised edge did not allow for easy stacking. Consequently, a lower relief version was instituted.

So loved by coin collectors, the design of the Liberty was again used by the Mint on its gold bullion coin starting in 1986. Also, in 2009, the Mint began producing ultra-high relief versions of the coin utilizing new technology to create the coin that was unavailable a hundred years ago.

Obverse Design

The obverse features a design of Liberty holding an olive branch and a torch of freedom. Also seen are the inscriptions "Liberty" and the year of mint.

Reverse Design

The reverse showcases a bald eagle flying over the sun. The inscriptions "United States of America," "Twenty Dollars" and "In God We Trust" are present as well.

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Coin Specifications

   
   Mint: United States Mint
   Finish/Condition: Circulated, Proof
   Metal Content: 90% gold, 10% copper
   Weight: 33.346 grams
   Diameter: 34.00mm
   Edge: Lettered
   Issue Date: 1907-1916, 1920-1933
   Face Value: $20
   Obverse Designer/Sculptor: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
   Reverse Designer/Sculptor: Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Featured Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Coin Auctions

1923 D SAINT GAUDENS PCGS MS66 $20 GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE COIN GOLDEN BEAUTY
1923 D SAINT GAUDENS PCGS MS66 $20 GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE COIN GOLDEN BEAUTY
Paypal   US $3,283.00
1908 D No Motto Saint Gaudens $20 Double Eagle Gold Coin PCGS Certified MS64
1908 D No Motto Saint Gaudens $20 Double Eagle Gold Coin PCGS Certified MS64
Paypal   US $2,650.00
2009 ULTRA HIGH RELIEF UHR DOUBLE EAGLE $20 GOLD SAINT GAUDENS COIN W BOX CERT
2009 ULTRA HIGH RELIEF UHR DOUBLE EAGLE $20 GOLD SAINT GAUDENS COIN W BOX CERT
Paypal   US $3,184.00
1922 S $20 PCGS MS63 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Motto
1922 S $20 PCGS MS63 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Motto
Paypal   US $5,195.00
1925 $20 PCGS MS64 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Motto
1925 $20 PCGS MS64 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Motto
Paypal   US $2,245.00
DCJ™ Wide Black Leather Wrist Cuff W Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Commemorative
DCJ™ Wide Black Leather Wrist Cuff W Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Commemorative
Paypal   US $49.98
1913 S Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle NGC MS 62
1913 S Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle NGC MS 62
Paypal   US $3,600.00
$20 Double Eagle 1908 Saint Gaudens No motto very nice coin
$20 Double Eagle 1908 Saint Gaudens No motto very nice coin
Paypal   US $1,800.00
1924 PCGS MS 65 $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle
1924 PCGS MS 65 $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle
Paypal   US $2,120.00
1908 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle $20 Twenty Dollar Gold Coin
1908 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle $20 Twenty Dollar Gold Coin
Paypal   US $1,999.00
1924 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle $20 Twenty Dollar Gold Coin
1924 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle $20 Twenty Dollar Gold Coin
Paypal   US $1,999.00
NUMISTAMP BAR STAMP 1908 DOUBLE EAGLE SAINT GAUDENS
NUMISTAMP BAR STAMP 1908 DOUBLE EAGLE SAINT GAUDENS
Paypal   US $7.50

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Coin Resources