St. Gaudens Gold Coin Series: History, Value, and Investment Guide

Introduction to the St. Gaudens Gold Coin

The St. Gaudens Gold Coin is one of the most famous and attractive gold coins ever made by the United States. This $20 gold coin was part of a plan to make U.S. coins look better. It shows the skill of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the ideas of President Theodore Roosevelt. People collect and invest in this coin because of its rich background, good looks, and solid gold content.

The design is bold and detailed, which made it hard to produce, but this also made the coin more special and memorable. Whether you’re new to buying gold coins or have collected coins for years, the St. Gaudens Double Eagle brings together beauty and lasting value. These coins had some early problems in making them, and that caused changes in their look and how they were used.

The Origins of the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle

This coin’s story started in the early 1900s when President Roosevelt wanted to make U.S. coins more artistic. He chose Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a well-known sculptor who made classic statues and memorials. The result was a gold coin that broke away from old designs and set a new standard for U.S. coins.

Sadly, Saint-Gaudens was sick during this time, which delayed the project. The high-detail design was also hard to produce. The first coins came out in 1907, and they were made until 1933. Each coin holds nearly a full ounce (0.9675 troy oz) of gold and is made from 90% pure gold.

Quick Timeline of Major Events:

1905: Roosevelt asks Saint-Gaudens to design new coins
1907: First coins with raised design released; Saint-Gaudens wanted to use Roman numerals for the year, which was first rejected but later allowed by Roosevelt
1908: The phrase “In God We Trust” was added after Congress demanded it
1933: Last coins made; not given out to the public

Design and Symbolism

Obverse Design (Front)

On the front, Miss Liberty walks forward holding a torch and an olive branch. Sunrays shine behind her. You can see the Capitol building faintly in the background, and stars go around the edge. This design shows freedom, hope, and American pride.

Reverse Design (Back)

The back shows an eagle flying with the sun rising behind it. This powerful image stands for strength and a bright future for the nation.

The coin’s edge has the phrase e pluribus unum, which means “out of many, one.” It shows the unity of the country.

High Relief vs. Low Relief

The 1907 coin was first made with a raised design (High Relief), which made it look more like only artwork than a coin. These coins are rare and very popular with collectors because of their fine details and history. Later coins were made with a flatter design (Low Relief) so they would be easier to stack and make in large amounts.

The High Relief design needed many strikes from the machine to bring out the details, which made it harder to produce. The equipment at the time couldn’t easily handle this level of detail, adding to the production struggle.

Motto Changes

The first coins from 1907 to early 1908 did not have the words “In God We Trust.” Some people were upset about this, and Congress stepped in to make sure it was added later in 1908.

The debate over the motto shows how the coin changed from only artwork into something changed by people and political pressure. Roosevelt left it off on purpose, but after strong feedback, Congress made it law to include it.

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: The World’s Rarest Coin

A big part of this coin’s story is the 1933 version. Over 400,000 were made, but they were never officially handed out because the U.S. stopped using gold for money. Most of the coins were melted.

One rare coin from that year ended up in King Farouk’s collection in Egypt, which made it even more famous. Only a few survived. One was sold in 2021 for a record $18.9 million, making it the most expensive U.S. coin ever sold. Its rare story, mystery, and legal past makes it a legend in coin collecting.

Mint Marks and Production Locations

These coins were made in three U.S. Mints:

Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark)
Denver Mint (marked with a “D”)
San Francisco Mint (marked with an “S”)

Large numbers were made at each mint, especially when Europe faced money problems, and many coins were sent overseas for international use.

Each mint mark gives the coin unique value. Some years and locations made fewer coins, making those coins more sought after.

Notable Low-Mintage Years:

1921: Only 528,500 coins made
1927-D: Fewer than 200 left today
1930-S: Rare and highly wanted

Coin Grades and Market Value

Understanding Coin Grading

How well the coin is kept (its “grade”) affects how much it’s worth. Coins are rated by trusted services like PCGS and NGC using a scale from 1 to 70:

MS60–MS70: Mint State (perfect or near-perfect condition)
AU50–AU58: About Uncirculated
XF40–XF45: Extremely Fine

Some coins are also officially checked for authenticity, which proves they are real and can help avoid legal issues.

What Drives Value?

Amount of gold and current gold price
Rarity (year, mint, and condition)
Collector interest
Market demand
Special years from the 1920s, for example, are especially valuable because they are rare and highly wanted by collectors.

Why Buy a St. Gaudens Gold Coin?

Investment Value

Because these coins have nearly one ounce of gold, they are a good way to protect your money from inflation or market ups and downs. Their value often moves with the gold spot price, making them a smart choice during uncertain times. They’re also special because they have collector value, not just gold value, which may grow over time.

Historical Significance

Owning one ties you to an important time in American history—from the early 1900s to the Great Depression. The US Mint played a key role in bringing this historic coin to life. Saint-Gaudens passed away on August 3, 1907, before he saw his famous coins go into use.

Beauty and Prestige

Very few coins are as eye-catching or artistically important. Many collectors call this the most beautiful U.S. coin ever made. While it holds artistic value, it also stands out among gold bullion pieces. Roosevelt admired ancient Greek coins and wanted to bring that beauty to American money.

St. Gaudens Gold Coins for Sale: What to Look For?

When looking to buy one of these coins, keep in mind:

Certified coins: Choose ones graded by PCGS or NGC
Year and Mint: Some dates and mints are rarer and more valuable
Premium over gold price: Know how much more you're paying over the actual gold value
Trusted sellers: Buy only from reliable dealers like BOLD Precious Metals

The “new double eagle” is a famous version, created by Roosevelt and Saint-Gaudens. While it looked amazing, it was tough to produce, which affected how many were made.

Special Buying Tip

Coins from years like 1908 or 1924 are usually more affordable, so they’re a great way to start a collection.

The $20 Saint coin stands out because it was made during hard times like the Great Depression and still kept its beauty and value.

Tips for Safe Storage

Gold coins must be protected from damage, theft, and wear:

Keep them in certified holders or air-tight cases
Store in a home safe or a bank safety box
Don’t touch them with bare hands—use gloves

Machines used to make coins, especially in large numbers, can affect how detailed and rare each coin ends up being.

Insurance Considerations

If your collection is valuable, get it appraised and insured under a plan that covers coins and collectibles.

This coin also has “e pluribus unum” written on its edge—a feature Roosevelt wanted to include to add meaning and beauty to the coin.

Why Choose BOLD Precious Metals?

At BOLD, we offer a trusted selection of St. Gaudens gold coins. Every coin is checked for authenticity, fairly priced, and shipped safely to your home. Our experts are here to help you build a collection that is both meaningful and valuable. Roosevelt asked Saint-Gaudens to design the coin, and while he left off the words “In God We Trust” at first, public pressure caused that to change.