$20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle XF (Dates/Types Vary)

Introduction

The $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most celebrated gold coins in United States numismatics. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin was introduced in 1907 as part of President Theodore Roosevelt's effort to bring greater artistic quality to American coinage. This example is offered in Extra Fine (XF) condition, retaining strong overall design detail with moderate wear from circulation. Dates, mintmarks, and types vary based on availability.

History

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle debuted in 1907, replacing the Liberty Head Double Eagle. President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create a new design for the $20 gold piece, resulting in a dramatic departure from earlier American coinage. The earliest 1907 pieces were struck in high relief, but the design was soon modified to a lower relief that was more practical for large-scale production.

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were struck from 1907 through 1916 and again from 1920 through 1933 at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. Early issues were produced without the motto IN GOD WE TRUST, which was added to the reverse during 1908. The obverse originally featured 46 stars representing the states in the Union. In 1912, two additional stars were added following the admission of New Mexico and Arizona, bringing the total to 48. Because dates and types vary for this product, individual coins may represent different variations of the Saint-Gaudens design.

Design

The obverse features a full-length figure of Liberty advancing forward while holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Rays of the rising sun appear behind her, with the United States Capitol visible in the background. Stars representing the states encircle the design, while the date appears at the lower right.

The reverse depicts an eagle in flight above the rays of the rising sun, accompanied by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY DOLLARS. With Motto issues feature IN GOD WE TRUST above the sun, while earlier No Motto examples omit the inscription. The coin's edge is lettered with E PLURIBUS UNUM.