The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most iconic and valuable gold coins in U.S. history. Here are some cool facts about it, including details on the S (San Francisco) and D (Denver) series coins:
1. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
The coin was designed by the famous American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of a larger effort to beautify U.S. coinage. The design is widely considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced.
2. Produced from 1907 to 1933
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was minted from 1907 until 1933. However, due to the Gold Recall Act of 1933, many of the coins were melted down, making surviving examples especially rare and valuable.
3. Liberty and Eagle Design
The obverse (front) features Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and an olive branch, with the U.S. Capitol building in the background. The reverse (back) shows a majestic bald eagle in flight, with the sun rising below it.
4. High Relief and Ultra High Relief Versions
The original 1907 coins were struck in high relief, making them exceptionally detailed but difficult to produce. Only about 12,000 of these were minted. An ultra-high-relief version was also produced in very limited quantities (only around 20 exist), and these coins are highly sought after by collectors.
5. The 1933 Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the world. Due to the Gold Recall Act, almost all were melted down, but a few escaped. In 2002, one of these coins sold at auction for over $7.5 million, and in 2021, another one sold for a record-breaking $18.9 million.
6. Mint Marks: S and D Series
Coins with the “S” mint mark were produced at the San Francisco Mint, while those with the “D” mint mark were minted in Denver. Coins without a mint mark were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
The San Francisco (S) and Denver (D) mint-marked coins are generally rarer than those produced in Philadelphia, making them more desirable to collectors.
7. 20 Dollars Face Value
The coin has a face value of $20, but its actual value far exceeds this due to its gold content (0.9675 troy ounces of gold) and numismatic value.
8. Edge Lettering
Unlike most coins, the edge of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle features the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inscribed around the edge, which adds to its unique design.
9. Revival of the Design
The design of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was revived for the modern American Gold Eagle bullion coins, which began production in 1986. The obverse design remains largely faithful to Saint-Gaudens’ original vision.
This coin is not only a piece of currency but also a work of art, and its history is filled with intrigue, beauty and significant value.
Sasco Gold is a privately held company in Coastal Connecticut, dedicated to helping clients safeguard their retirement savings using physical precious metals.
