Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

1907-1933 • United States • $20

About This Coin

Widely considered the most beautiful U.S. coin ever made, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle features Lady Liberty striding forward with torch and olive branch on the obverse, and a majestic eagle in flight on the reverse. The 1933 issue is one of the world's most valuable coins.

Specifications

Composition

90% Gold, 10% Copper

Weight

33.436 grams (0.9675 troy oz gold)

Diameter

34 mm

Edge

Lettered "E PLURIBUS UNUM" with stars

Designer

Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Mintage

Varies by year (30,000 to 11,250,000)

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	Gold melt value (~$1,800)
Good (G)	Gold melt + 10-20%
Fine (F)	Gold melt + 20-40%
Very Fine (VF)	Gold melt + 40-80%
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	Gold melt + 100-200%
Uncirculated (MS)	$2,500-10,000+ (common dates)

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

The striding Liberty with sun rays behind her is unmistakable. Look for the Capitol building beneath her feet. The reverse shows an eagle in flight with sun rays. Check for mint marks on the obverse above the date (D or S). The 1907 comes in MCMVII (Roman numerals) High Relief and Arabic numerals varieties. The legendary 1933 is mostly illegal to own except for one example sold for $18.9 million.

Historical Context

President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign U.S. coinage, believing American coins were artistically inferior. Saint-Gaudens created what many consider the finest coin design ever. The 1907 High Relief MCMVII was too difficult to strike, requiring up to 11 strikes per coin, so the relief was lowered for regular production. The 1933 issue became legendary - all were ordered melted when FDR ended the gold standard, but a few escaped. Only one 1933 Double Eagle can be legally owned privately, selling for $18.9 million in 2021.

Notable Varieties

1907 MCMVII High Relief
1907 Arabic Numerals
1908 No Motto
1908 With Motto
1909/8 overdate
1933 (extremely rare, mostly illegal)

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 1933 Double Eagle so valuable?

The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the world's most legendary coins. 445,500 were minted but never released - FDR's gold recall ordered them melted. A handful were stolen, leading to decades of legal battles. Only one can be legally owned privately - it sold for $7.6 million in 2002 and $18.9 million in 2021, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at auction.

How much gold is in a Double Eagle?

Each Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. At current gold prices (~$1,900/oz), the melt value alone is around $1,800-2,000. Common dates in circulated condition typically sell for a premium above melt value.