All About 20 Saint Gaudens Coins

One of America’s most popular gold coins, the 20 Saint Gaudens was designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Gaudens was commissioned by then US President Theodore Roosevelt, who was struck by the beauty of the ancient Greek coins while on a tour of the Smithsonian Institute in 1905. The President also thought that the US coins were “artistically of atrocious hideousness.” Hence, he commissioned the creation of coins that depicted the glory and superlative stature of the country, resulting in the $20 Saint Gaudens gold coins.

With their excellent craftsmanship, precision and the most beautiful coinage design, Saint Gaudens is a favorite of coin collectors.

20 Saint Gaudens Gold Coin: Design

The $20 Saint Gaudens is known for their most beautiful coinage design, with excellent craftsmanship and precision. The coin’s obverse has an image of Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in the left hand. She walks confidently into the future, as the sun rises in the background. The lower left side also has the Capitol building and the word “LIBERTY” engraved on the top. The border of the coin has 46 stars depicting the states in the US as of 1907.

The reverse of the coin has an American eagle in flight over the sun. At the top is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TWENTY DOLLARS”. The coin weighs approximately 35 grams, with an average diameter of 34 mm. It is 96% pure with a copper alloy blended in.

Types of 20 Saint Gaudens

Minted from 1907 to 1933, the 20 Saint Gaudens coins are available for various dates. Here are some of their types:

• With motto and no motto: Until 1908, Double Eagles were minted without the inscription “In God We Trust”. In 1908, legislation was passed to mandate the use of the motto, following which coins were minted to include the inscription. Hence, all coins minted following this legislation came with the inscription. These two types of coins make two different collectibles for gold coin investors and collectors.
• Number of Stars: These coins featured as many stars as the number of states in the US. Hence, coins from 1907 to 1911 features 46 stars, while those minted from 1912 (following the inclusion of Mexico and Arizona in the US) features 48 stars on the obverse of the coin.
• 1933 Saint Gaudens: The coins minted in the series’ last four years, especially in 1933, are considered valuable, rare and expensive, as they were circulated only in small numbers.
• High relief MCMVII (1907): The coin’s popularity, rather than its rarity, contributes to its high value. While high relief coins are highly aesthetic, they are prone to minting defects and scratches. So, investors must check these coins under incandescent lights before purchasing.
• Saint Gaudens 2009 Ultra High Relief: A special issue for investors and collectors, the 2009 Ultra Relief boasts the highest quality craftsmanship, as it utilizes the latest technological advancements offered at the US Mint. The coin bears the year 2009 in Roman numerals, with additional four stars that signify the 50 states in the US, and the inscription “In God We Trust”. It also has a small border, and is made of 24-karat gold, which is best for striking ultra high relief. Minted for only a year, 2009, the Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens is much sought after by investors and collectors alike.

One of the best additions to your gold portfolio, Saint Gaudens can value on average up to two to three times the current per ounce gold price. Their value can rise as the gold bullion prices rise, but they also can rise due to supply and demand (depending on quality and rarity). To purchase these coins call us at 888-OWN-GOLD.