Do you have any St Gauden Gold coins in your collection? If so, you might be wondering how much they're worth. Or perhaps you've heard of this great coin and want to know more about it.
Today, we're taking a closer look at the history, design, production, grading, market trends, and tips for buying these iconic coins.
History of the St Gauden Gold Coin
The St Gauden Gold coin, better known as the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, holds a significant place in American numismatic history. This coin was named after its designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a renowned sculptor and artist.
President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned Saint-Gaudens to create a new design for the $20 gold piece as part of his efforts to beautify American coinage. The result was a masterpiece that many consider the most beautiful coin ever produced by the US Mint.
The Saint-Gaudens double eagle was first minted in 1907. Its design featured Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing enlightenment and peace.
The reverse depicted a majestic eagle in flight, representing the strength and spirit of the United States. This coin stood out not only for its artistic excellence but also for its intricate and detailed design.
Modifications
Over the years, the Saint-Gaudens double eagle went through several modifications. The original 1907 coins were struck in high relief, making the details more pronounced but also making the coins difficult to stack and produce efficiently.
In response, the US Mint modified the design to a lower relief later that same year. Another significant change came in 1912, when the design incorporated two stars to reflect the addition of New Mexico and Arizona as states.
The Saint-Gaudens double eagle was minted until 1933, when the United States abandoned the gold standard during the Great Depression. That year, President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered most gold coins to be recalled and melted down.
However, a few 1933 double eagles escaped this fate, becoming some of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. One of these coins sold for over $7 million at auction in 2002.
Design and Features
The design and features of the St Gauden Gold coin are a big part of what makes it so special. On the front, or obverse, of the coin, you'll see Lady Liberty. She's walking forward with confidence, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other.
The torch symbolizes enlightenment, while the olive branch stands for peace. Behind her, the rays of the sun are shining, giving a sense of hope and new beginnings. The word "LIBERTY" arches above her, and the date of the coin is at her feet.
The back features a flying eagle. The eagle's wings are spread wide as it soars above the rising sun. This powerful image represents the strength and freedom of the United States.
Around the edge, you'll find the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS." The motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" was added in 1908, just above the sun.
Production and Minting
The production and minting of the St Gauden Gold coin is a fascinating story. The US Mint played a vital role in bringing this beautiful coin to life. Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a famous sculptor, was chosen to design the coin. This resulted in one of the most stunning coins ever made.
The minting of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle took place at several US Mint locations. The main mint in Philadelphia produced the majority of these coins, but they were also minted in Denver and San Francisco.
Each mint used a specific mint mark to identify where the coin was produced. For example, coins from Denver have a "D" mark, while those from San Francisco have an "S." Coins from the Philadelphia Mint typically do not have a mint mark.
Production numbers varied each year, affecting the rarity and value of the coins. Some years saw higher production numbers, while others had fewer coins minted, making those coins more sought after by investors.
The Highest Mintage
The highest mintage occurred in 1928, when over 8 million coins were produced. In contrast, some years, like 1908 with the "No Motto" variety, had much lower production, increasing their rarity and value.
The production of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle continued until 1933, when the United States stopped using the gold standard.
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Grading and Condition
Grading and condition are essential factors in determining the value of a St Gauden Gold coin. Understanding how coins are graded can help you evaluate the worth of your collection accurately.
Coin grading is the process of determining a coin's condition, which directly impacts its value. The most widely used grading scale is the Sheldon scale, which ranges from 1 to 70. A coin graded at 70 is in perfect condition, while a coin graded at 1 is barely recognizable.
Professional coin grading services, like the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), offer official grading and encapsulation. These services provide an objective assessment of a coin's condition, giving buyers and sellers confidence in their transactions.
When a coin is graded, it is examined for various factors, including its strike, luster, surface preservation, and overall eye appeal. Each of these elements contributes to the final grade.
The condition of a coin is described in terms like "Mint State" (MS), "About Uncirculated" (AU), and "Very Fine" (VF).
Mint State coins are those that show no signs of wear and appear just as they did when they left the mint. About Uncirculated coins show very slight wear, often only on the highest points of the design. Very Fine coins have moderate wear but still retain most of their details.
St Gauden Condition
For the St Gauden Gold coin, even small differences in condition can lead to significant differences in value. A coin in Mint State condition can be worth several times more than the same coin in Very Fine condition.
This is why proper handling and storage are so important for investors. Using protective holders, avoiding direct contact with the coin's surface, and keeping coins in a stable environment can help preserve their condition.
One way to get an idea of a coin's grade is to compare it to graded examples. Many resources are available online, including detailed photographs and descriptions of coins in various grades.
This can help you get a ballpark idea of where your coin might fall on the grading scale.
Factors Influencing Value
Several factors influence the value of a St Gauden Gold coin, making it essential to understand each one when assessing your collection. One of the most significant factors is the coin's historical significance.
Coins from notable years or with unique backstories often hold higher value. For instance, the 1933 double eagle is exceptionally rare because most were melted down during the Great Depression. Any surviving coins from this year are incredibly valuable.
Rarity is another crucial factor. Coins that were minted in smaller quantities are generally more valuable because fewer are available. This scarcity creates higher demand among collectors.
Some years saw limited production runs, making those coins particularly sought-after. For example, the 1908 "No Motto" variety is rarer than other years and thus more valuable.
Market Demand
Market demand also plays a significant role. The value of coins can fluctuate based on the popularity of coin investing and the specific interest in St Gauden Gold coins. When more collectors seek these coins, prices tend to rise.
If interest wanes, the value may decrease. Keeping an eye on market trends can help you understand the current demand for your coins.
Notable Variants
The St Gauden Gold coin, particularly the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, has several notable variants that can significantly affect its value. One of the most famous variants is the 1907 high-relief coin.
This version features a striking, detailed design that stands out more than the lower-relief versions produced later. These high-relief coins are highly sought after by collectors due to their beauty and limited production run.
1933 Double Eagle
Another key variant is the 1933 double eagle. As mentioned earlier, these coins were never officially released to the public due to the United States' moving away from the gold standard.
Most were melted down, making the surviving 1933 double eagles some of the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. The few that remain are highly prized and have fetched millions of dollars at auction.
The 1908 "No Motto" coins are another interesting variant. Early versions of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle did not include the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST." This was changed later in 1908 due to public demand.
The "No Motto" coins are rarer and thus more valuable than their counterparts with the motto. Investors often seek out these variations to complete their collections.
Minting errors can also increase a coin's value. Errors might include double strikes, off-center strikes, or other imperfections that occurred during the minting process. These errors are rare and can make a coin more desirable to investors.
For example, double strikes are coins that have been struck more than once, resulting in a doubled image. These coins are unique and can fetch higher prices than standard issues.
One famous error is the 1921 double eagle. These coins were struck with a design intended for 1920, making them unique. Investors prize these coins not just for their rarity but also for their place in numismatic history.
A Great Coin for Your Collection
The history, design, production, grading, and notable variants of St Gauden Gold coins all combine to make them intriguing and valuable.
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byUnited States Gold Bureau