$20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – BU

In the early 20th century, a remarkable collaboration between President Theodore Roosevelt and renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens gave birth to one of America's most iconic coins: the $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. This masterpiece of numismatic art emerged from Roosevelt's vision to elevate American coinage to the artistic heights of ancient Greek and Roman currency.

Saint-Gaudens, already battling cancer, took on the challenge with vigor. His design for the Double Eagle would become his swan song, a final gift to the nation he loved. The coin's obverse featured Lady Liberty striding forward, torch in hand, symbolizing progress and enlightenment. Behind her, the U.S. Capitol dome stood proudly, while rays of sunlight burst forth, illuminating a new dawn for American coinage.

The coin's reverse showcased a majestic eagle in flight, wings spread wide against a rising sun. This powerful image embodied the spirit of a nation soaring to new heights at the turn of the century. Saint-Gaudens' attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the flowing drapery of Liberty's gown to the individual feathers of the eagle's wings.

First minted in 1907, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle faced initial production challenges due to its high-relief design. The Mint struggled to strike the coins properly, requiring multiple blows to bring out the full detail. This led to a modification of the design, lowering the relief for mass production. Despite this change, the coin's beauty remained undiminished.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle would continue to be minted until 1933 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 6102 recalled gold coins from circulation. This abrupt end to gold coinage in America only served to enhance the mystique and desirability of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle among collectors and investors alike.

Today, the $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as a testament to a pivotal era in American history. It bridges the gap between the 19th century's classical designs and the modern age, capturing the optimism and ambition of a nation on the cusp of becoming a world power.

Design Features

The obverse of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a study in classical beauty and American symbolism. Lady Liberty strides confidently forward, her flowing gown reminiscent of ancient Greek sculptures. In her right hand, she holds aloft a torch, symbolizing enlightenment, while her left hand grasps an olive branch, representing peace. The U.S. Capitol building is visible in the background, grounding the design in American iconography. Surrounding Liberty are 46 stars, representing the number of states in the Union at the time of the coin's initial minting.

The reverse design is equally impressive, featuring an eagle in flight against a backdrop of the rising sun. The bird's wings are spread wide, conveying a sense of power and freedom. The sun's rays extend from the lower edge of the coin, creating a dramatic effect that enhances the overall composition. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS" encircle the eagle, while "IN GOD WE TRUST" is placed above the sun, added to the design in 1908 at Congress's insistence.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Lady Liberty striding forward, holding a torch and olive branch, with the U.S. Capitol in the background.
• Reverse: Eagle in flight against a rising sun, with national mottos and denomination.

Investment Appeal

The $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is more than just a beautiful coin; it's a tangible piece of American history and a solid investment opportunity. Its gold content provides intrinsic value, while its historical significance and artistic merit offer potential for appreciation beyond the metal's worth.

Collectors prize these coins for their connection to two iconic American figures: Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The limited availability of pre-1933 gold coins, due to the gold recall, adds to their scarcity and appeal. For investors, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle offers a way to diversify portfolios with a asset that combines precious metal content with numismatic value.

The coin's worldwide recognition makes it highly liquid, easy to buy and sell in the global market. Its status as a pre-1933 gold coin also exempts it from certain reporting requirements, adding to its appeal for privacy-conscious investors.

Whether you're a seasoned numismatist or a newcomer to coin collecting, the $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle offers a unique blend of historical significance, artistic beauty, and investment potential. It's not just a coin; it's a piece of America's golden age, waiting to become a cherished part of your collection or investment portfolio.