The Story of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coins
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins, particularly the 1933 $20 gold coin, hold a prominent place in American numismatic history. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, these coins are treasured for their exquisite artistry and connection to a pivotal era in American coinage. Let's delve into the fascinating history and the combined investor and numismatic value of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins.
The obverse of the coin features a captivating depiction of Lady Liberty striding confidently forward, holding a torch and an olive branch. The reverse showcases a majestic eagle soaring above a radiant sun. Saint-Gaudens aimed to elevate the aesthetic appeal of American coins, infusing them with artistic beauty that rivaled the coins of ancient Greece and Rome.
Investor Value of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coins
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins hold significant investor value, particularly due to its scarcity and legal complexities. In 1933, amidst the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order halting the circulation of gold coins and mandating their return to the U.S. Mint for melting. Consequently, most of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were destroyed.
However, a few managed to escape destruction, and their subsequent ownership became a subject of legal contention. The 1933 $20 gold coin is highly coveted by collectors and investors alike due to its rarity and the historical circumstances surrounding its production and circulation. Only a small number of these coins exist today, making them exceptionally rare and valuable.
Numismatic Value and Collector Appeal
From a numismatic perspective, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins are revered as masterpieces of American coin design. The intricate details, the sense of motion, and the classical beauty of the artwork make these coins highly desirable among collectors.
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin holds a special place in numismatic history due to its unique status. Although many were melted down, a few escaped destruction, making them legendary symbols of numismatic rarity and desirability. The allure of owning a piece of this captivating story drives collectors to pursue the 1933 Saint-Gaudens coin with great enthusiasm.
Significance and Rarity of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coin
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin is particularly notable for its extraordinary scarcity and legal status. After the initial production, the remaining coins were ordered to be melted down, but a few were clandestinely acquired by collectors and numismatists. The U.S. government considers these coins to be illegal to own, with only a single exception—an example that was officially issued to the Smithsonian Institution.
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin holds immense allure for both serious numismatists and investors. Due to its legal status, it is considered one of the most sought-after and valuable coins in the world. The few examples that have appeared in the market have fetched astronomical prices at auction, showcasing the incredible desirability and prestige associated with this iconic coin.
In summary, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins, including the rare and legendary 1933 $20 gold coin, possess immense historical significance and value. Whether you collect $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles or another iconic U.S. Mint coin, explore the value of United States coins and learn more about your collection after checking out today.
$20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Mintage Figures:
- 1907 Ultra High Relief - 19 to 22
- 1907 High Relief - 12,367
- 1907 Low Relief - 361,667
- 1908 No Motto - 4,271,551
- 1908-D No Motto - 663,750
- 1908 With Motto - 156,258
- 1908-D With Motto - 349,500
- 1908-S With Motto - 22,000
- 1909 - 161,215
- 1909-D - 52,500
- 1909-S - 2,774,925
- 1910 - 482,000
- 1910-D - 429,000
- 1910-S - 2,128,250
- 1911 - 197,250
- 1911-D - 846,500
- 1911-S - 775,750
- 1912 - 149,750
- 1913 - 168,780
- 1913-D - 393,500
- 1913-S - 34,000
- 1914 - 95,250
- 1914-D - 453,000
- 1914-S - 1,498,000
- 1915 - 152,000
- 1915-S - 567,500
- 1916-S - 796,000
- 1920 - 228,250
- 1920-S - 558,000
- 1921 - 528,500
- 1922 - 1,375,500
- 1922-S - 2,658,000
- 1923 - 566,000
- 1923-D - 1,702,250
- 1924 - 4,323,500
- 1924-D - 3,049,500
- 1924-S - 2,927,500
- 1925 - 2,831,750
- 1925-D - 2,938,500
- 1925-S - 3,776,500
- 1926 - 816,750
- 1926-D - 481,000
- 1926-S - 2,041,500
- 1927 - 2,946,750
- 1927-D - 180,000
- 1927-S - 3,107,000
- 1928 - 8,816,000
- 1929 - 1,779,750
- 1930-S - 74,000
- 1931 - 2,938,250
- 1931-D - 106,500
- 1932 - 1,101,750
- 1933 - 445,500
Pre-1933 U.S. Gold Coins
For nearly 140 years, Gold coins were produced by the U.S. Mint for use in commerce alongside Silver and Copper coins. Many Gold bullion investors opt for Gold coins minted before 1933 because of their historical appeal, U.S. government guaranteed Gold content, low premiums, and clearly denominated face value. The $20 coins have .9675 oz, $10 have .4838 oz, and $5 have .2419 oz actual Gold weight, respectively. Coins with denominations of $1, $2.50, and $3 are also available. The Gold content of each coin is based on the value of Gold, which was set by law at $20.67 per troy ounce by the Coinage Act of 1849. The Gold Reserve Act of 1934 increased the price of Gold to $35 per troy ounce. At the time these coins were minted and circulated, the face value was equal to the value of Gold in each coin.
Both investors and collectors interested in American Gold Coins beyond just Pre-1933 options should consider our full U.S. Mint Gold Coin collection. These offer a wider variety of styles, production dates that can help diversify your collection.
The Great Melt
In 1933, Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 6102, severely limiting the amount of Gold that could be owned by the public, and requiring the vast majority of Gold coins in the U.S. to be delivered to the government in return for Federal Reserve notes, effectively removing Gold coins from circulation. Private ownership of more than a nominal amount of Gold bullion was not legalized again until 1975. Most Gold coins that were turned in were melted down and stored as Gold bars. This confiscation destroyed millions of coins, the exact numbers of which are not known.
