The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is perhaps the most stunning and iconic coin in American history. Sculpted by master sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this $20 gold coin was produced between 1907 and 1933 and is greatly sought after by collectors due to its artistry and historical value. While all Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are valuable, some dates, mint marks, and varieties are particularly exceptional. Below are 9 notable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles worth knowing about.
Why Are Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles Valuable?
- Artistic Design: Regarded as one of the most handsome coin designs in existence.
- Rarity: Low mintage figures or restricted survival rates.
- Historical Significance: Connected to the early 20th century and the Great Depression.
- Gold Content: Nearly an ounce of gold is included in each coin, contributing intrinsic value.
9 Notable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
| Year | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1907 | None (High Relief) | Ultra High Relief Design | $2,000,000+ |
| 1907 | None (Rolled Edge) | High Relief Design | 20,000−100,000+ |
| 1920-S | S (San Francisco) | Low Mintage | 2,000−10,000+ |
| 1921 | None (Philadelphia) | Rare Year | 10,000−50,000+ |
| 1924-S | S (San Francisco) | Low Mintage | 2,000−10,000+ |
| 1927-D | D (Denver) | Low Mintage | 10,000−50,000+ |
| 1927-S | S (San Francisco) | Low Mintage | 2,000−10,000+ |
| 1930-S | S (San Francisco) | Rare Year | 10,000−50,000+ |
| 1933 | None (Philadelphia) | Illegal to Own (Few Exceptions) | $7,000,000+ |
1907 Ultra High Relief
- Why Valuable: Original Augustus Saint-Gaudens design, ultra-high relief that was hard to mint.
- How to Identify: Highly detailed and sculptural design; only some 20 remain.
- Human Connection: A coin masterpiece, the peak of artistic skill in American coinage.
1907 Rolled Edge High Relief
- Why Valuable: An altered version of Ultra High Relief, easier to mint but still scarce.
- How to Recognize: High relief design with rolled edge.
- Human Connection: A balance between art and function, indicating the difficulty of minting such a detailed coin.
1920-S
- Why Valuable: Low mintage figures make this coin scarce.
- How to Identify: Check for the “S” mint mark on the back.
- Human Connection: A survivor of the post-World War I period, an era of economic change.
1921
- Why Valuable: One of the most scarce dates in the series, with fewer than a few hundred known to exist.
- How to Identify: No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint).
- Human Connection: A scarce coin from a year when gold coin production was minimal.
1924-S
- Why Valuable: Low mintage figures make this coin scarce.
- How to Identify: Check for the “S” mint mark on the back.
- Human Connection: A scarce coin during the Roaring Twenties, an era of economic boom.
1927-D
- Why Valuable: Extremely low mintage figures make this coin extremely popular.
- How to Identify: Check for the “D” mint mark on the back.
- Human Connection: A scarce coin from the Denver Mint, representing the difficulty of minting at this time.
1927-S
- Why Valuable: The low mintage levels make the coin scarce.
- How to Identify: Check for the “S” mint mark on the back.
- Human Connection: A scarce coin from the San Francisco Mint, an important part of U.S. coinage history.
1930-S
- Why Valuable: Low survival rate year.
- How to Identify: Check for the “S” mint mark on the back.
- Human Connection: A coin from the beginning of the Great Depression, a time of economic suffering.
1933
- Why Valuable: Illegal to possess (with some exceptions), which makes it one of the world’s rarest and most valuable coins.
- How to Identify: No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint); few are legally owned.
- Human Connection: A coin with an interesting legal history and a connection to the end of the gold standard and the Great Depression.
Tips for Collectors
- Research Thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with important dates, mint marks, and varieties.
- Buy Certified Coins: Buy coins that are graded by trusted services such as PCGS or NGC to guarantee authenticity.
- Know the History: Familiarizing yourself with the history of each coin increases its beauty and worth.
- Keep Your Coins Safe: Store them in secure, climate-controlled conditions to safeguard their state.
- Consult Experts: If you believe you’ve discovered a rare Double Eagle, get it verified by an expert.
Why Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles Are Important
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are not only gold coins—they’re art and history. From the stunning Ultra High Relief format to the scarce 1933 issue, every coin has a story of artistic vision, economic transformation, and historic importance. Collecting them helps you be in touch with the past and create a worthwhile and significant collection.
Conclusion
Whether you’re attracted to the craftsmanship of the 1907 Ultra High Relief or the scarcity of the 1933 Double Eagle, these coins provide boundless possibilities for exploration. The 9 significant Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles featured here are not only valuable but also steeped in history and cultural richness. Begin your adventure today, and you could just find a treasure that’s worth a fortune!