1907 $20 Saint Gaudens High Relief Wire Edge NGC MS63

Introduction

The 1907 $20 Saint-Gaudens High Relief Wire Edge Double Eagle is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces in American numismatics. Graded NGC MS63, this coin represents the first and most iconic version of the Saint-Gaudens design, struck in breathtaking high relief with razor-sharp detail and a striking wire-rim edge. The coin’s sculptural depth, brilliant luster, and commanding presence make it a centerpiece of any elite gold collection and a lasting tribute to America’s golden age of artistry in coinage.

History

Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of his vision to elevate U.S. coinage to the level of fine art, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle debuted in 1907 to replace the Liberty Head design. Roosevelt personally selected celebrated sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to reimagine America’s highest denomination gold coin. The resulting High Relief version, produced for only a short period in 1907, proved too difficult for commercial minting due to its depth and required multiple strikes per coin. While later issues transitioned to a flatter relief, the original High Relief Wire Edge coins remain among the most revered and desirable U.S. coins ever struck, representing the pinnacle of Roosevelt’s “Renaissance of American Coinage.”

Design

The obverse showcases a radiant Lady Liberty striding forward with torch and olive branch, framed by rising sun rays and the Capitol building below—a powerful symbol of enlightenment and peace. The reverse features a majestic flying eagle soaring above the horizon, capturing the spirit of freedom and national strength. This High Relief Wire Edge variety displays the characteristic sharp wire-style rim created during striking, enhancing its dramatic appearance. Composed of 90 percent gold and 10 percent copper, weighing 33.44 grams and measuring 34 mm in diameter, this MS63 example offers exceptional visual appeal, bold detail, and timeless artistic beauty.