$20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – NGC MS66

The $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as a monumental achievement in American numismatic history, born from President Theodore Roosevelt's bold vision to elevate U.S. coinage to the realm of fine art. In 1904, Roosevelt expressed his disdain for the existing American coins, describing them as having "artistically atrocious hideousness." This dissatisfaction prompted him to take unprecedented action, asking the Treasury Secretary if it would be possible to employ someone like Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create coins with "some beauty" – without even requiring Congressional approval.

This revolutionary decision marked the first time the U.S. Mint had ever commissioned an outside artist rather than using in-house designers. Saint-Gaudens, already renowned for his magnificent sculptures and monuments throughout New York City, began preliminary designs in 1905, though the journey from concept to circulation proved anything but smooth.

The resulting Double Eagle coin has since been widely celebrated as the most stunning coin ever produced by the U.S. Mint. Breaking dramatically from conventional numismatic designs, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle introduced an artistic dynamism previously unseen in American coinage. The flowing lines, symbolic imagery, and high-relief presentation embodied America's growing confidence as a world power during a period of economic expansion and technological advancement.

The coin's production history reflects both artistic ambition and practical limitation. The original 1907 Ultra High Relief version, with its deeply sculpted details, proved too difficult for mass production. This led to the 1907 High Relief variation, still produced in limited numbers, before finally settling on the Standard Relief design that would be minted until 1933. Beginning in 1908, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added to the reverse, creating another notable variety for collectors.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle's story came to an abrupt end in 1933 when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt ended circulating gold coinage during the Great Depression. This historical circumstance has only enhanced the coin's mystique, as the final years' mintage was largely recalled before public release, making surviving specimens extraordinarily valuable. Today, the Saint-Gaudens design lives on through modern bullion coins, a testament to its enduring artistic significance.

Design Features

The obverse of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle presents a striking portrayal of Liberty striding confidently forward, emerging from the sun's rays that symbolize enlightenment and America's bright future. In her right hand, she holds a torch aloft, illuminating the path forward, while her left hand clutches an olive branch, signifying peace. Her flowing gown and hair create a sense of movement and vitality rarely achieved in coinage. This dynamic forward motion was intentional, representing America's progressive spirit and expanding influence at the turn of the 20th century.

The reverse design features a majestic eagle in flight, soaring above the sun's rays. This powerful bird of prey, America's national symbol, is captured in mid-flight with wings outstretched, conveying strength and freedom. The design represents a significant departure from the more static, heraldic eagles that had dominated previous American coinage. The artistic composition creates a remarkable sense of depth and movement, further enhancing the coin's aesthetic appeal. The edge of the coin showcases stars representing the states of the Union, with the number increasing from 46 to 48 in 1912 when Arizona and New Mexico achieved statehood.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Lady Liberty striding forward with torch and olive branch, sun rays in background.
• Reverse: Eagle in flight above sun rays.

Investment Appeal

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle represents a perfect marriage of historical significance, artistic excellence, and precious metal value. Savvy collectors and investors recognize that these coins offer more than mere gold content—they provide ownership of a pivotal piece of American numismatic history. The coin's design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America's premier sculptors, ensures its place as an enduring work of art that transcends ordinary currency.

The NGC MS66 grade indicates exceptional preservation, with outstanding luster and minimal contact marks, placing it among the finest examples available to collectors. Such high-grade specimens have demonstrated remarkable price appreciation over time, often outperforming standard bullion investments. This historical premium makes the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle an excellent portfolio diversification tool that combines intrinsic gold value with numismatic significance.

For serious numismatists, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle represents the pinnacle of American coin design—a fact recognized globally by collectors and historians alike. Its limited availability, combined with ever-growing collector demand, creates a compelling investment case based on scarcity principles. Whether as a centerpiece in a discerning collection or as a tangible store of wealth, this iconic gold piece continues to captivate the imagination of collectors while offering significant potential for long-term appreciation.