The U.S. Mint produced the Saint-Gaudens Gold $20 Double Eagle coins from 1907 to 1933, earning recognition for their intricate design and historical importance.
Some of these issues are rare, and the stories they carry. Here’s a look at ten of the most sought-after Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles.
1927-D
Only 180,000 were minted originally. All but a few were melted. Today, 15 to 18 known specimens exist. That makes this coin highly coveted by collectors.
1933
The 445,500 that were minted in 1933 never actually went into circulation, thanks to the Gold Reserve Act.
Very few survived melting, and today this is one of the most celebrated and valuable coins ever produced by the United States.
1907 Ultra High Relief Proof with Lettered Edge
This coin is the epitome of coin artistry. About 18 to 19 were struck, and only 13 to 15 are known to exist today.
Its design was so intricate that it needed multiple strikes to come out in a beautiful high-relief appearance.
1921 Satin Proof
There are only two known specimens of this coin because the Mint did not intend to issue them into circulation.
Satin finish, they were probably made for presentation purposes, making them more attractive and mysterious.
1930-S
Out of a mintage of 74,000, only around 50 to 75 coins were spared from the melting pot. The Smithsonian Institution has the best known specimen of the 1930-S, which is considered to have the best strike quality.
1908-S
The first year the motto “In God We Trust” appeared on the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles. While not as rare as others on this list, its historical significance and relatively low mintage make it desirable.
1920-S
With most of its 558,000 mintage melted down, the 1920-S is scarce today. Surviving examples often exhibit weak strikes, adding to the challenge for collectors seeking high-grade specimens.
1927-S
Only 3,107,000 were produced, and most were melted; few made it into circulation. High-grade coins are scarce and bring significant premiums.
1929
With the Great Depression setting in, the U.S. Mint melted all but a handful of the 1,779,750. Surviving examples are highly sought after, particularly in uncirculated grades.
1913-S
The 1913-S has a relatively small mintage of 34,000. As a key date, it is highly sought after by collectors due to its low survival rate and historical context, which was pre-World War I.
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Estimated Survivors | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1927 | D | 180,000 | 15-18 | Extremely rare |
| 1933 | None | 445,500 | Few | Never circulated |
| 1907 | None | 18-19 | 13-15 | Ultra High Relief |
| 1921 | None | 2 | 2 | Satin Proof |
| 1930 | S | 74,000 | 50-75 | High strike quality |
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are works of art and pieces of historical interest.
Collected for both their beauty and the rich stories they tell, these coins carry the weight of a transformative American history.
FAQS:
What’s so special about the 1933 Double Eagle?
Circulation releases of the 1933 Double Eagle forced changes in U.S. government policy regarding the coins. They were melted and sent for sale immediately, becoming one of the most outstanding and scarce U.S. coins ever to exist.
What is special about Ultra High Relief 1907?
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is one coin that, having an ultra-fine detail on the design which needed multiple striking to obtain such depth, became a coin of many views for the summit of U.S. minting artistry.
How can I check if my Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is real?
Because of their value, Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are often counterfeited. It is best to consult with reputable coin dealers or grading services to verify authenticity.