1908 $20 St Gaudens "No Motto" Gold Coin (MS64, NGC or PCGS)
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$20 Saint Gaudens Gold Coin (MS66, NGC or PCGS)
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$20 Saint Gaudens Gold Coin (MS65, NGC or PCGS)
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Gold American $20 St. Gaudens - NGC MS64
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Augustus Saint-Gaudens' St. Gaudens Gold Coin is famous for its beauty and history. Featuring Liberty and an eagle, it exemplifies early 20th-century American artwork and craftsmanship.
Augustus Saint Gaudens was an Irish and American sculptor still regarded as one of the best in coinage history. One of his enchanting works is the portrayal of Lady Liberty on the American Eagle coins. His design was successful in such a feat that the coin was named after him.
The St Gaudens Gold Coins are currently considered the top pick for investors and collectors as the foundation of their precious metals journey. However, not only does the design make this gold coin value for money, but it is also appreciated and preferred by investors for its variations, which makes it viable for all.
Our exquisite collection of St Gaudens Gold Coin comprises all the variations, along with those graded by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which are among the most respected and trusted coin grading services in the industry.
St Gaudens Gold Coins or the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle coins are highly desirable and appreciated among investors for several reasons. Some of these reasons are the beautiful and timeless design and symbolism.
However, the reasons why they are excellent investment grades are:
1. Variations
There are several important factors to consider when it comes to variations. The two main variations of the St Gaudens Gold coins are the motto and ‘no-motto’ inclusion in the first two years of mintage, and the faint over-date appeared in the 1909 issue.
2. Accessibility
Some Gold coin issues are considerably rare and highly collectible, while others are accessible yet highly sought after. This difference in accessibility is vital for collectors and investors since each coin holds significant value in the market.
3. Collectibility
St Gaudens gold coins have a few key dates and mintages that are highly rare and collectible. The coins issued in 1929 and after are considerably rare and collectible. Furthermore, in the last stages of their mintage, the Peace Dollars were restricted from circulation and later melted, making them ideal collector’s items.
The US Mint and the government created the ‘eagle’ gold coins in the denomination of $10. The Eagle became the measuring unit for other Eagle coins, such as the quarter ($2.5) and half ($5) eagle. Thus, the Double Eagle is a US Mint gold coin with a face value of $20. The double eagle became known as the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle to honor its respected sculptor, Augustus Saint Gaudens, after his passing in 1907, before the coin design was finalized. The coin's design and production were finalized before his demise.
The history of the St Gaudens Gold Coin is vast. To summarize history simplistically, this series of events can be considered:
1. President Theodore Roosevelt’s Proposal
On December 27, 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt proposed redesigning American coinage to depict America’s greatness and legacy for future generations.
2. St Gaudens’ Involvement
The president embursed St Gaudens for the task and wrote it to Secretary of Treasury Leslie Mortier Shaw. Despite the poor experiences with the Mint and Chief Engraver, Charles E. Barber, St Gaudens happily accepted the task in 1905.
3. Growing Disputes Between the US Mint and the Government
Disapprovals, considerable delays, and changes in the dies caused disputes among the Mint, government, and St Gaudens. The Mint's Chief Engraver Barber and Director Robert Preston had reservations about the project, feeling that it may not be the best use of funds and that Gaudens had vested interests. Despite all this, the President overruled these allegations and continued with the support.
4. The Design Variations and Motto
St. Gaudens and President Roosevelt were fixated on keeping the design high-relief, but the Mint stated that it needed to be more practical. Striking the high-relief coin was daunting and not cost-efficient. Furthermore, the exclusion of the US motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” resulted in a public outrage, which resulted in a change of design again!
5. Deteriorating Health of St Gaudens
St Gaudens worked on the designs even in his last stage of life before passing away in 1907 from cancer. Sadly, he could not experience the release of the coin even after the efforts of the President, who paced up the production.
6. Production Initiation
Finally, the production of these gold coins was initiated in 1907, named after Saint Gaudens by the President to honor his work. The coins featured the timeless Lady Liberty design with low relief and the American bald eagle on the reverse.
St Gaudens featured the portrayal of Lady Liberty as a symbol of victory. The Lady walks toward the viewer, holding a torch in her outstretched hand and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing peace and new beginnings. The rising sun and its rays on the US Capitol Dome adorn the backdrop. The inscriptions surrounding the portrayal are “LIBERTY,” the year of issue, and encircling stars, each representing a state of the US.
The reverse features the American bald eagle soaring high in the sky with the sun below it. The Eagle flaunts its majestic wings in a striking pose. The inscriptions above the eagle depict the country of issue and face value as “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. TWENTY DOLLARS.” The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” may or may not be featured on the design.
The US motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” is depicted on the edge, as St Gaudens didn't want to disrupt Lady Liberty's existing design.
The story of the motto involves President Roosevelt's theory and the public outrage caused by it. The president believed that the word “God” should be avoided on a coin that can be used for malpractices.
Thus, the first issue of 1907 and mid-1908 lacked the US motto which led to Congressmen and public outcry demanding the inclusion of the motto. Hence, all the later issues of the St Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin featured the motto.
BOLD’s St Gaudens Gold Coins collection includes the most in-demand Double eagle coins in the market, making your purchase profitable and valuable. Explore our wide range of these coins and diversify your portfolio with this stunning historical masterpiece.
Our exquisite collection includes gold coins graded by NGC or PCGS, two of the most trusted and respected coin-grading services. We also offer the St Gaudens gold coin in various conditions, such as Extremely Fine (XF), Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), and Almost Uncirculated (AU).
With our new ‘Sell to Us’ feature, you can now sell your bullion products, such as the St Gaudens Gold Coins, at the best market prices from the comfort of your home.
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