The $20 St Gaudens Double Eagle Gold Coin is one of American numismatics’s most iconic and sought-after coins. Designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, it was minted from 1907 to 1933.
While collectors value pristine examples for their rarity and historical significance, bullion-grade Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are ideal for investors focused on the gold content.
Bullion-grade $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle coins make a practical investment for their value as a store of wealth and status as a government-backed issue.
Saint-Gaudens Design
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was introduced in 1907 as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s effort to beautify American coinage.
The obverse features Lady Liberty striding confidently with a torch and olive branch, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. The modern American Eagle obverse is based on the original design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
The reverse depicts a soaring eagle above the rising sun, representing America’s optimism and strength.
What Are Bullion-Grade St Gaudens Double Eagles?
Bullion-grade Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are coins primarily valued for their gold content rather than their condition, rarity, or numismatic interest.
These coins are relatively common and often exhibit wear or surface imperfections, making them more attractive to gold investors than collectors. As a result, they frequently have lower premiums over the spot price than newly minted American Eagle and Buffalo Gold coins.
Coin Specifications:
- Composition: 90% gold and 10% copper.
- Gold Content: 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold.
- Overall Weight: 33.436 grams (1.0750 ounces).
- Diameter: 34 mm.
- Face Value: $20.
- Years Minted: 1907 to 1933 1
1 – Most of the 1933 mintage was ordered to be melted down due to Roosevelt’s Executive Order 6102.
Circulated 1907-1933 $20 Double Eagle Condition
Condition is a factor for determining bullion-grade Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle coins. These often fall into the About Uncirculated (AU) or Extremely Fine (XF) categories, showing noticeable wear but retaining their total gold weight.
Bullion-grade Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles usually show light surface scratches, bag marks, scuffs from being handled and stored loosely in bags, and other signs of wear.
Areas like Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s wings on the reverse often show flattening of high points.
Instead of the satin-like luster of uncirculated specimens, bullion coins may have a more subdued or matte appearance.
While these imperfections lower the coin’s numismatic value, they do not diminish its gold content, making it ideal for bullion-focused investors.
Bullion St Gaudens Double Eagle Values
Bullion-grade Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle can be as low as 3% to 5% over the spot gold price from online dealers. Below is an approximate value range based on condition and market trends:
| Condition | Value (Based on Gold Spot Price) |
|---|---|
| Cleaned, Jewelry Grade, Damaged | $2559.56 (Melt Value) + $80–$150 |
| Circulated (XF) | Melt Value + $100–$175 |
| Brilliant Uncirculated (Raw) | Melt Value + $125–$225 |
| Third Party Grade (PCGS or NGC) | Melt Value + $175 and up |
Note: Values vary based on gold price fluctuations and market demand.
Some investors prefer graded coins because they have been authenticated and verified by a reputable third party, which can make them easier to sell later.
1933 St Gaudens $20 Gold Coin
Although 445,500 coins were struck, the federal government ordered them to be melted down, but a few escaped.
Two are in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution. Over time, most have been recovered and destroyed by the government, except ten remain in ongoing legal disputes.
The government considers the 1933 Double Eagles stolen property, except for the Weitzman Specimen, the only example legally permitted for private ownership due to its unique legal and auction history.
Although production ended because of Roosevelt’s Executive Order, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin remains a testament to the artistry and economic history of the United States.