$20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – PCGS MS62

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 coins, which he admired for their beauty and cultural significance.

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

The coin's journey from concept to circulation was fraught with technical challenges. Saint-Gaudens' initial high-relief design, while stunning, proved impractical for mass production. The U.S. Mint, under Chief Engraver Charles Barber, had to modify the relief to allow for efficient striking. This tension between artistic vision and practical necessity would become a defining aspect of the coin's legacy.

First minted in 1907, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle quickly captured the public's imagination. Its combination of classical imagery and modern American symbolism resonated deeply with a nation on the cusp of becoming a world power. The coin not only represented monetary value but also embodied the spirit of a confident, forward-looking America.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle's production spanned nearly three decades, witnessing America's rise through World War I and into the Roaring Twenties. However, its story took a dramatic turn with the Gold Recall of 1933. As the Great Depression gripped the nation, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered all gold coins to be surrendered to the government. This act of economic necessity inadvertently created some of the rarest and most sought-after coins in American numismatics, particularly the infamous 1933 Double Eagle.

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 artistic traditions and the 20th century's modernist impulses, encapsulating a moment when America's economic and cultural influence was ascending to global prominence.

Design Features

The obverse of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a triumph of allegorical design. Lady Liberty, draped in flowing robes, strides confidently forward. Her right hand holds aloft a torch, symbolizing enlightenment, while her left hand cradles 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 introduction.

The reverse design is equally impressive, featuring a majestic eagle in flight against a rising sun. This powerful image of the national bird soaring above the rays of dawn symbolizes America's ascendancy and optimism. The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears above the sun, added to the design in 1908 in response to public demand. The coin's denomination, "TWENTY DOLLARS," is prominently displayed, along with "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

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 above a rising sun, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" motto and denomination.

Investment Appeal

The $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle represents a unique intersection of historical significance, artistic excellence, and precious metal value. As a pre-1933 gold coin, it offers investors a tangible piece of American history, with its gold content providing a hedge against economic uncertainty.

For numismatists, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a cornerstone of any serious collection. Its status as one of the most beautiful coins ever minted ensures ongoing demand and potential for appreciation. The coin's limited availability, due to historical melting and the passage of time, further enhances its rarity and appeal.

Moreover, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle's recognition extends far beyond American borders. Its classic design and historical importance make it a globally respected coin, ensuring liquidity and marketability for investors worldwide. Whether as a store of wealth, a collectible artifact, or a piece of artistic heritage, the $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle continues to captivate and reward those who recognize its enduring value.