$20 Saint-Gaudens MS61

$20 Saint-Gaudens MS61

This rare gold coin takes its name from its designer, the famous American sculptor - Augustus Saint-Gaudens. In an effort to embellish the nation's standard gold coin designs, President Teddy Roosevelt called for coins whose beauty rivaled those of Ancient Greece and Rome. Accordingly, President Roosevelt turned to his friend and Americas foremost sculptor, Augustus-Saint-Gaudens, to design new $20 and $10 gold coins. You may be familiar with some of Saint-Gaudens more famous sculptures, which include Standing Lincoln in Chicagos Lincoln Park or the General Sherman Civil War monument in New Yorks Central Park. Its name is often shortened to $20 Saint or $20 St. Gaudens within the rare gold coin-collecting world.

History

The first $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coins ever minted were coins never intended for circulation. Only approximately 16-22 of these specimens were minted. Each coin was relatively thick and struck in what is called Ultra High Relief, giving the appearance of a medal rather than a coin. These experimental pieces had a much higher relief than later issues and connected directly to the edge without a border, resulting in a very sharp appearance. Only a few of these coins are available today. Later in 1907 and continuing through 1933, these gold coins were struck in flat relief.

Although the newly minted $20 Saint-Gaudens coin was ready for circulation in 1907, an important inscription was omitted: In God We Trust (hence the name No Motto). Although our countries motto had appeared on almost every gold coin minted for the previous 100 years, President Roosevelt felt that the Lords name should not appear on coins that could be used in transactions in brothels, saloons, and gambling halls, making them close to sacrilege. At first, the Presidents order was followed: none of the 1907 and only a small portion of the rare 1908 $20 Saint-Gaudens coins included the motto. Despite his motivations, the public - and Congress - construed the omission of this motto as an attack on religion. The resulting up roar quickly led to a Congressional Act restoring the inscription of In God We Trust in mid-1908. The motto remained until the government stopped striking gold coins for circulation in 1933.

Value & Demand

The $20 Saint-Gaudens  also known as a double eagle are very popular and widely traded in the International market from collectors who buy gold. The value is higher than bullion coins as they were minted before 1933 and favored among coin collectors. Investors worried about the grading of these rare gold coins should make sure they are certified by PCGS or NGC. The Professional Coin Grading Service, PCGS, had launched the concept of grading coins in the year 1986. Since that time they have become one of the most trusted name in certified coins. The $20 Saint-Gaudens has better luster and toning effect with very few contact marks on it. 

* Pictures are an indication only, price of coins are applicable for dates of our choice

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