Rare and Certified $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Coins
The $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle stands as one of the most prestigious and beautiful coins in the history of United States minting. Named after its designer, the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this gold coin embodies the height of numismatic art and is a prized asset for collectors and investors alike. The Saint Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most sought after coins minted in the United States. The Saint Gaudens is made of 90% gold and 10% copper. The coin's obverse design consisted of a full-bodied liberty strutting above the sunrise, she held a torch and olive branch. On the reverse is an eagle soaring through the sky. This coin was minted starting in 1907 and until 1933.
$20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Overview
The Saint Gaudens Double Eagle, minted from 1907 to 1933, features a full-length image of Liberty holding a torch and olive branch, walking forward as a symbol of progress. The reverse showcases a majestic flying eagle, epitomizing freedom. The coin's design was part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s initiative to beautify American coinage, making it not only a piece of currency but also a work of art.
Types and Rarity The rarity of these coins can vary significantly based on several factors:
- High Relief Coins: The 1907 High Relief version, with its striking three-dimensional details, was minted in a very limited quantity and is highly sought after by collectors.
- Proof Coins: These are specially minted coins with a mirror-like finish and exceptional quality, produced in very small numbers, making them extremely rare.
- Mint Marks: Coins with certain mint marks, such as those from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints, can also carry a premium, especially if their production numbers were low.
Certification and Value
Some of the key date Saint Gaudens Double Eagles are the 1907 ultra high relief pattern, 1913-S, 1915, 1930-S, and of course the 1933. Since all Saint Gaudens almost have an ounce of melt gold in them, they are all over $2,000 plus a coin. However, certain key date coins can be worth millions, such as the 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle.
Certified Saint Gaudens Double Eagles, which have been authenticated and graded by reputable services like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), often fetch higher prices in the market. The condition of the coin, typically rated on the Sheldon Scale from 1 to 70, is a critical determinant of its value. Coins rated MS-65 (Mint State) or higher are considered in excellent condition and can command substantial premiums.
Mintage and Historical Significance The Saint Gaudens Double Eagle was minted during a pivotal era in American history, encapsulating the optimism and industrial growth of the early 20th century. However, the majority of these coins were recalled and melted down following President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1933 executive order to remove gold from circulation, which significantly increased the rarity and value of the surviving pieces.
Collectibility and Investment As a symbol of American heritage and artistry, the $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle is highly coveted among collectors. Its aesthetic appeal, historical importance, and the intrinsic value of its gold content make it a solid choice for collectors and investors. The allure of owning a piece of pre-1933 U.S. gold coinage, particularly a rare and certified example, continues to drive the desirability and market value of these coins.
Collecting rare and certified $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagles is more than an investment in precious metals; it is an investment in a piece of art and American history. Each coin tells a story of an era where coinage was a point of national pride and cultural significance, making them exceptionally valuable to collectors around the world.