$20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle – PCGS MS63

In the early 20th century, a remarkable collaboration between two American titans would forever change the face of U.S. coinage. President Theodore Roosevelt, known for his bold vision and love of classical artistry, sought to elevate American currency to new heights of beauty and symbolism. His chosen partner in this endeavor was none other than Augustus Saint-Gaudens, widely regarded as the preeminent American sculptor of his time.

Roosevelt, dissatisfied with what he deemed the "atrocious hideousness" of contemporary American coins, approached Saint-Gaudens with an audacious request: to redesign the entire spectrum of U.S. coinage. The artist, though battling terminal illness, embraced the challenge with characteristic passion and skill. The result of their partnership would become one of the most celebrated coins in American numismatic history – the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.

The story of the Double Eagle's creation is one of perseverance and artistic triumph. Saint-Gaudens, working from his studio in Cornish, New Hampshire, poured his remaining energy into crafting a design that would embody the spirit of a ascendant America. His vision for the coin was ambitious – a high-relief masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of minting technology.

The initial ultra-high relief versions, struck in 1907, required multiple strikes to fully bring up the design, making them impractical for mass production. Yet, these rare pieces remain some of the most sought-after coins by collectors, commanding staggering prices when they occasionally surface at auction. The Mint eventually modified the design for more efficient production, but even in its reduced relief, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as a pinnacle of numismatic artistry.

The coin's obverse features a striding Lady Liberty, torch of enlightenment held high in her right hand, olive branch of peace in her left. Behind her, the sun's rays burst forth over the U.S. Capitol, symbolizing the dawn of a new era. The reverse showcases a majestic eagle in flight, soaring above a rising sun – a powerful representation of American optimism and potential.

This Double Eagle would serve as legal tender until 1933 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 6102 recalled gold coins from circulation, making the 1933-dated specimens some of the rarest and most valuable coins in existence. The design's legacy, however, lives on. In 1986, a modified version of Saint-Gaudens' iconic Liberty was revived for the American Gold Eagle bullion coin series, introducing new generations to this masterpiece of numismatic art.

Design Features

The obverse of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a study in neoclassical beauty and symbolism. Lady Liberty strides forward confidently, her flowing gown and hair suggesting movement and vitality. In her right hand, she holds aloft a torch, representing enlightenment and progress. Her left hand cradles an olive branch, a universal symbol of peace. The Capitol building in the background firmly places the scene in America, while the radiant sun behind her suggests the dawn of a new era.

Encircling this central image are 46 stars (later increased to 48 to represent Arizona and New Mexico's statehood), each representing a state of the Union at the time of the coin's initial minting. The word "LIBERTY" arches above, while the year of minting is found at the bottom right.

The reverse design is equally powerful in its simplicity and symbolism. A young eagle soars against a background of sun rays, capturing the spirit of a nation on the rise. The phrases "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS" encircle the upper portion of the design, establishing the coin's origin and value. Below the eagle, the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added in 1908 at Congress's insistence, despite Roosevelt's initial objections to placing the divine name on currency.

The edge of the coin bears the lettered inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "Out of Many, One" – a fitting motto for both the nation and this pinnacle of American numismatic design.

Product Highlights

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

Investment Appeal

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle represents a unique convergence of historical significance, artistic brilliance, and precious metal value. As a pre-1933 U.S. gold coin, it offers investors a tangible connection to America's economic history, while its iconic design ensures enduring collector appeal.

The coin's gold content provides a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, a characteristic highly valued in today's volatile markets. Moreover, the numismatic premium these coins command often outpaces the growth of gold spot prices, offering potential for additional appreciation.

For serious collectors, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a cornerstone of any comprehensive U.S. coin collection. Its status as one of the most beautiful coins ever minted ensures consistent demand, while its limited supply – particularly for certain dates and mint marks – creates scarcity that can drive value.

Whether viewed as a store of wealth, a piece of American history, or a work of art, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic U.S. coinage. It offers investors and collectors alike the opportunity to own a piece of numismatic legend, combining the security of precious metal with the allure of a design that has captivated enthusiasts for over a century.