The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Coin is a highly sought-after gold coin that saw limited production with mintage between 1907 and 1933. It’s a coveted investment among numismatic coin collectors due to numerous factors.
Superb Design
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is recognized as one of the most beautiful coins in the extensive pantheon of U.S. coins. The motivation behind the now-iconic coin was to embellish the U.S. coinage which then-president Theodore Roosevelt felt was suffering from “atrocious hideousness.” The eponymous coin was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens who was widely reputed as a leading artist during his time and knew Roosevelt directly.
Obverse
The obverse of the coin depicts the personification of Liberty striding triumphantly with her right hand holding a blazing torch and an olive branch in her left. The word Liberty appears above her flowing hair, and sunrays shine up from the bottom of the coin. There are 46 stars surrounding the design to represent the 46 states which were in the Union at the time.
Reverse
The reverse of the Saint-Gaudens coins features a majestic bald eagle in flight with its wings spread confidently across the coin. Similar to the obverse of the coin, sunrays penetrate the sky giving the design a feeling of dignity. The US official motto IN GOD WE TRUST is emblazoned on the bottom of the coin and the inscriptions THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY DOLLARS are positioned at the top of the coin.
Rarity
Unlike other popular coins such as the American Silver Eagle which are widely minted, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles saw significantly limited production. The U.S. Mint only released the coins from 1907 to 1933. For comparison, the Silver Eagle has been minted every year since its inception in 1986. On the back of low mintage, a good portion of the Saint-Gaudens coins fell victim to the Gold Confiscation Act of 1933 which forced Americans to hand over their gold bullion in exchange for paper money. Untold numbers of these revered coins were melted in an effort to bolster the economy. These factors combined result in heightened rarity which automatically increases the numismatic value and appeal of Saint-Gaudens coins.
Suggested Reading: The 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin
Rich History
All investment grade coins have inherent value based on their precious metal contents. Over time, uncontrollable and unpredictable factors imbue coins with additional numismatic value that can drastically increase their worth. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a perfect example of this phenomenon. It just happened to be minted during a period of time when the US president was actively attempting to beautify U.S. coinage, a renowned sculptor was available and willing to offer his services, and the economy was in such dire straits as to demand a nationwide gold confiscation. This iconic historical backdrop of the coin’s development has been capturing the interest of investors for years, adding to its numismatic value.
High Liquidity
Liquidity is an important consideration when investing in precious metals as investors feel more comfortable purchasing assets that are quickly sellable. The sheer popularity of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles results in high liquidity which means these coins are usually easy to sell. There are always investors looking to gain exposure to precious metals with this highly regarded gold coin. Whenever you want to liquidate your precious metals investment to cash, the Saint-Gaudens coin should provide a quick and seamless sale.
Gold Purity
Another reason the Saint-Gaudens gold coins are so popular is their high purity rating. The Double Eagle boasts a 0.900 fineness which means 90% of the coin is pure gold. This purity level allows investors to take advantage of gold’s inflation-hedge characteristic to stave off the negative effects of inflation and preserve their wealth.
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Understand the coin.
Investors should become familiar with the design, history, purity, and value of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle before making the investment. This background knowledge makes it easier to determine the true value of these popular coins to avoid overpaying.
Learn about premiums.
Premiums on precious metals refer to the extra cost investors pay over the spot price of gold when buying from precious metal dealers. When buying a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, you can expect to pay above the gold spot price due to these premiums and numismatic value.
Stick to reputable sellers.
The best strategy you can take when purchasing Saint-Gaudens gold coins is to seek out expected, reputable, and knowledgeable coin dealers. You might have to venture out of your local region to find the best offers.
If you’re interested in investing in a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, feel free to contact the precious metals advisors at Scottsdale Bullion & Coin. We’d be happy to answer all your questions and help you make the right investment given your specific goals.
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Popularity FAQ
Over 70 million Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were struck between 1907 and 1933. However, that’s not an accurate indication of their rarity. The overwhelming majority of these coins were melted down by the government after the federal confiscation of gold in 1933.
The value of the $20 Double Eagle varies greatly based on the coin’s condition, mint year, rarity, and demand. Given the Saint-Gaudens’ numismatic value, these coins are worth well over their weight in gold.
Yes, Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins are a solid investment. All versions of this classic coin contain a purity rating of 0.900 fineness and weigh around 1 troy oz although specific versions vary slightly. The numismatic value and impressive pedigree of these highly sought-after coins ensure their value appreciates quicker than the value of gold.