Description
Designed by
Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this $20 gold piece is considered to be the most
beautiful United States coin. Whether you are an avid coin collector or
an individual looking for long-term growth potential for your financial
portfolio, the Saint-Gaudens double eagle's unmatched beauty and rich
history offer a sound and profitable future investment.
Design
In an effort to embellish the
nation's more standard coin designs, President Teddy Roosevelt called
for coins to rival those of Ancient Greece and Rome. The obverse
depicts Liberty holding a staff and olive branch as she walks from the
sun. The date appears to the viewer's right of Liberty (the date
appeared in Roman numerals "MCMVII" on a portion of the coins minted in
1907). The word 'LIBERTY' arcs above her. Stars representing the number
of states in the union (46 from 1907-11 and 48 from 1912-33) curve
around the rim.
The reverse of the $20 Saint-Gaudens features a bald eagle gliding
across the sun. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY
DOLLARS" span across the top of the coin. Although, it did not appear
on the coin in 1907 or the first half of 1908 (see below), the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" lies underneath the eagle.
Minting Information
A limited number of
high relief and extremely high relief $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coins were
originally struck for general circulation in 1907. These experimental
pieces had a much higher relief than later issues and connected
directly to the edge without a border, resulting in a very sharp
appearance. Later in 1907 and continuing through 1933, these coins were
struck in flat relief.
"In God We Trust"
Although the newly
minted $20 Saint-Gaudens was ready for circulation in 1907, an
important inscription was omitted: "In God We Trust". Although our
country's motto had appeared on almost every gold coin minted for the
previous 100 years, President Roosevelt felt that the Lord's name
should not appear on coins that could be used in transactions in
brothels, saloons, and gambling halls.
At first, the President's order was followed: none of the 1907 and
only a small portion of the 1908 $20 Saint-Gaudens included the motto.
Many members of Congress, however, disagreed with the President's order
and felt our nation should proclaim a belief in God on our money.
Congress prevailed and, midway through 1908, the United States
Mint added "In God We Trust" to all $20 Saint-Gaudens coins. The motto
remained until the government stopped striking gold coins for
circulation in 1933.
| Detailed Coin Information |
| Designer:
|
| Gross Weight: 33.436g |
Gold Content: 0.9675 oz. |
| Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Diameter: 34mm |
Edge: E ~ PLURIBUS ~ UNUM |
| Dates: 1907-16; 1920-33 |
| Mints: Denver (1908-11; 1913-14; 1923-27; 1931), Philadelphia (1907-15; 1920-29; 1931-33), San Francisco (1908-11; 1913-16; 1920; 1922; 1924-27; 1930) |
