Notable Saint : The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most beautiful and iconic coins in U.S. history. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this $20 gold coin was minted from 1907 to 1933 and is highly prized by collectors for its artistry and historical significance. While all Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are valuable, certain dates, mint marks, and varieties stand out as particularly noteworthy. Here are 9 notable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles worth knowing about.
Why Are Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles Valuable?
- Artistic Design: Considered one of the most beautiful coin designs ever created.
- Rarity: Low mintage numbers or limited survival rates.
- Historical Significance: Tied to the early 20th century and the Great Depression.
- Gold Content: Each coin contains nearly an ounce of gold, adding 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+ |
Pointwise Breakdown of Key Double Eagles
1 : 1907 Ultra High Relief
- Why Valuable: The original design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, with an ultra-high relief that was difficult to mint.
- How to Identify: Extremely detailed and sculptural design; only about 20 exist.
- Human Connection: A masterpiece of coin design, representing the pinnacle of artistic achievement in U.S. coinage.
2 : 1907 Rolled Edge High Relief
- Why Valuable: A modified version of the Ultra High Relief, easier to mint but still rare.
- How to Identify: High relief design with a rolled edge.
- Human Connection: A compromise between artistry and practicality, reflecting the challenges of minting such a detailed coin.
3 : 1920-S
- Why Valuable: Low mintage numbers make this coin rare.
- How to Identify: Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse.
- Human Connection: A survivor from the post-World War I era, a time of economic transition.
4: 1921
- Why Valuable: One of the rarest dates in the series, with only a few hundred known to exist.
- How to Identify: No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint).
- Human Connection: A rare coin from a year when gold coin production was limited.
5 : 1924-S
- Why Valuable: Low mintage numbers make this coin rare.
- How to Identify: Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse.
- Human Connection: A scarce coin from the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity.
6 : 1927-D
- Why Valuable: Extremely low mintage numbers make this coin highly sought after.
- How to Identify: Look for the “D” mint mark on the reverse.
- Human Connection: A rare coin from the Denver Mint, reflecting the challenges of minting during this period.
7 : 1927-S
- Why Valuable: Low mintage numbers make this coin rare.
- How to Identify: Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse.
- Human Connection: A scarce coin from the San Francisco Mint, a key player in U.S. coinage history.
8 : 1930-S
- Why Valuable: Rare year with low survival rates.
- How to Identify: Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse.
- Human Connection: A coin from the early years of the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship.
9 : 1933
- Why Valuable: Illegal to own (with a few exceptions), making it one of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world.
- How to Identify: No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint); only a few are legally owned.
- Human Connection: A coin tied to the end of the gold standard and the Great Depression, with a fascinating legal history.
Tips for Collectors
- Research Thoroughly: Learn about key dates, mint marks, and varieties.
- Buy Certified Coins: Purchase coins graded by reputable services like PCGS or NGC to ensure authenticity.
- Understand the History: Knowing the background of each coin adds to its appeal and value.
- Preserve Your Coins: Store them in secure, climate-controlled environments to protect their condition.
- Consult Experts: If you think you’ve found a rare Double Eagle, have it authenticated by a professional.
Why Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles Matter
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are more than just gold coins—they’re works of art and pieces of history. From the breathtaking Ultra High Relief design to the rare 1933 issue, each coin tells a story of artistic ambition, economic change, and historical significance. Collecting them allows you to connect with the past while building a valuable and meaningful collection.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of the 1907 Ultra High Relief or the rarity of the 1933 Double Eagle, these coins offer endless opportunities for discovery. The 9 notable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles highlighted here are not only worth money but also rich in history and cultural significance. Start your journey today, and you might just uncover a treasure that’s worth a fortune!
