1907 $20 Saint Gaudens PCGS MS62 CAC

The 1907 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most iconic issues in all of American numismatics. It marked the beginning of a new artistic era for United States coinage, an era driven by the vision of President Theodore Roosevelt and realized by the sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens. The Saint Gaudens double eagle has often been described as the most beautiful coin ever produced by the United States, and the 1907 issue holds a special place because it was the very first year of production.

Roosevelt wanted U.S. coinage to reflect the strength and grandeur of the nation, and he believed only a world-class artist could deliver that vision. Augustus Saint Gaudens answered the challenge with a design that combined neoclassical elegance with bold symbolism. The obverse depicts Liberty in full stride, carrying a torch that represents enlightenment and an olive branch that symbolizes peace. Behind her, the rays of the rising sun spread across the field, while the U.S. Capitol building is visible in the distance. The reverse presents a dramatic eagle soaring above the sun, a fitting image of freedom and power.

The 1907 issue was struck in two main styles. A small number of experimental high relief pieces were produced early in the year, but these proved impractical for mass coinage because each required multiple strikes from the press. While they are legendary rarities today, the Mint needed a practical solution for daily production. Later in the year, the design was modified to a lower relief that allowed efficient striking. The result was the regular-issue 1907 Saint Gaudens double eagle, which retained the design’s beauty while meeting the practical needs of commerce.

This coin, certified Mint State 62 by PCGS, belongs to that historic first year of production. The MS62 grade means it is fully uncirculated, displaying original luster and detail, though with noticeable contact marks or abrasions that are common for large gold coins of the era. What makes this particular example stand out is the green CAC sticker, which confirms the coin is of solid quality for its grade. CAC approval is an important consideration for collectors because it adds an extra measure of confidence that the coin has strong eye appeal and has not been over-graded.

The 1907 Saint Gaudens has broad appeal among collectors. For type collectors, it is an essential acquisition because it represents the first year of one of America’s most famous designs. For specialists in Saint Gaudens double eagles, it is a foundational coin that belongs in any serious set. Even beyond specialized collecting, the coin has a universal allure as a masterpiece of design and a tangible connection to Roosevelt’s bold vision for American coinage.

Owning a 1907 Saint Gaudens double eagle is not only about holding a piece of gold. It is about owning a piece of history. These coins circulated at a time when the United States was emerging as a world power, and their artistry reflects the pride and optimism of the early twentieth century. Today, with the gold recall of 1933 long past, surviving examples are valued both for their intrinsic gold content and for their cultural significance.

In summary, the 1907 $20 Saint Gaudens PCGS MS62 CAC is a coin that represents the very beginning of one of the greatest chapters in American coinage. With its iconic design, first-year status, uncirculated preservation, and CAC approval, it offers both historic importance and reliable quality. It is a coin that appeals to advanced collectors and type specialists alike, and it remains one of the most meaningful ways to own a piece of Roosevelt’s vision and Saint Gaudens’s genius.