Speak to a non-commission broker TODAY!
The $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin, also known as the Double Eagle, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. This iconic piece of American currency combines historical significance, artistic brilliance, and substantial gold content. The only other Double Eagle coins are the $20 Libertys, which were minted from 1849 to 1907 before the Saint Gaudens design took their place. Both types of Double Eagles are made of .900 fine gold, meaning they are 90% pure, and each contains .9675 ounces of gold.
The obverse features a striking depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, symbolizing enlightenment and peace.
The reverse showcases a majestic eagle in flight against a rising sun, embodying American strength and optimism
Introduced in 1907 at the behest of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was designed to elevate the artistic quality of American coinage. Named after its designer, renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin replaced the Liberty Head design and was minted until 1933.
$20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin offers a unique combination of historical significance, artistic beauty, and intrinsic value. Certain dates and mint marks are extremely rare, potentially increasing their numismatic value over time. Its enduring appeal and potential for appreciation make it a compelling addition to any collection or investment strategy.
St. Gaudens gold coins are relatively plentiful and often found in excellent condition because few were used in everyday transactions. This is in contrast to the $20 Liberty-head gold coins, which saw extensive use in commerce. In fact, it is generally easier to find St. Gaudens coins in AU (About Uncirculated) or BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) grades than in VF (Very Fine) or XF (Extremely Fine) grades.
Additionally, Roosevelt’s gold call-in in 1933 helped preserve the St. Gaudens coins. By the time the first St. Gaudens coins were minted in 1907, Americans had begun to favor paper money over gold coins. As a result, fewer St. Gaudens coins were circulated as currency, leading to a greater number surviving in better condition compared to the $20 Liberty coins.
Saint Gaudens gold coins can be good investments when they are sold at or near the spot price of gold. A graph comparing the prices of VF-grade $20 Liberty coins to the spot price of gold reveals that at times, VF $20 Libertys have traded at spot price, while at other times, they have commanded higher premiums.
Specifically, in the early and late 1980s, and early 1990s, VF $20 Libertys were commonly traded at the spot price. However, during the mid-1980s and the mid- to late 1990s, they experienced significant premiums. For example, in 1992, MS-62 St. Gaudens gold coins sold for $20 over the spot price. Investors should be aware that the premiums on Saint Gaudens coins may decrease as the price of gold rises.
St. Gaudens gold coins, along with $20 Liberty-head Double Eagles, are often promoted heavily for their numismatic value. New investors to the market should use caution when buying these coins at high premiums based on their collectibility value. They could end up paying significantly more than the market value for Double Eagles. PCGS and NGC slabed and graded Double Eagles have been promoted at prices that can be $200 to $300 above the standard market rate. There have been instances where unaware buyers have paid double the actual market prices. Does this mean that Saint Gaudens gold coins are never good purchases? Not necessarily. When St. Gaudens gold coins have low premiums, close to those of Gold Eagles, they can be sound investments.
The 1908 No Motto: St. Gaudens coin is one of the most commonly promoted St. Gaudens coins. There is a claim that this coin is unique because it is the only U.S. gold coin that does not feature the motto “In God We Trust.” However, the 1908 No Motto St. Gaudens coins are generally priced similarly to other common date St. Gaudens gold coins.
CMI Gold & Silver, with extensive experience in selling Saint Gaudens gold coins since 1974, provides investors with a high level of expertise and confidence. We typically have Saint Gaudens gold coins available at all times. Shipments are usually made within one to two days of receiving cleared funds. When you purchase from CMI Gold & Silver, you can be confident in the authenticity and delivery of your Saint Gaudens gold coins, providing you with a sense of security. We are backed by over 50 years of experience providing quality products to investors nationwide.
Call one of our non-commissioned brokers today to get your questions about buying and selling precious metals answered.
Get investor insights delivered to your inbox! Sign up for our email to get the latest precious metals news, special alerts, and more.
Plus, be the first to get our articles of interest, newsletter, and specials.
Call Now
Skip to content
