$20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle No Motto MS64 (Dates Vary)

Introduction

The $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle No Motto is an iconic United States gold coin produced in 1907 and 1908. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the series was created as part of President Theodore Roosevelt's effort to elevate the artistry of American coinage. This example is graded MS64, representing a Choice Uncirculated coin with no wear from circulation and strong overall quality for the grade. Dates and mintmarks vary based on availability.

History

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle debuted in 1907, replacing the Liberty Head Double Eagle that had been produced since 1850. The earliest Saint-Gaudens pieces included the famous High Relief issues, but their demanding production requirements led the U.S. Mint to adopt a lower-relief version suitable for mass production. The regular-issue No Motto type was struck in 1907 and 1908. Examples were produced at Philadelphia and Denver, with Denver joining production in 1908.

The original design omitted the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. Following public and congressional pressure, the motto was restored to the coin later in 1908, creating the With Motto type that continued for the remainder of the series. The short-lived No Motto design therefore represents the earliest regular-production form of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.

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 U.S. Capitol visible in the background. The word LIBERTY appears above, surrounded by stars representing the states of the Union, with the date positioned at lower right.

The reverse depicts an eagle in flight above rays of the rising sun, accompanied by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and TWENTY DOLLARS. No Motto examples omit IN GOD WE TRUST, distinguishing them from the later reverse design introduced during 1908.