A Presidential Commission for Numismatic Art
In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt invited sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign American coinage. Roosevelt believed that US coins were artistically inferior to the ancient Greek coins he admired, and he wanted designs worthy of a great nation. The result was the $20 double eagle of 1907 — a coin that collectors, dealers, and art historians consistently rank as the most beautiful coin ever produced by the United States Mint.
Saint-Gaudens' obverse depicts a full-length figure of Liberty striding forward, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Behind her, the rays of the sun emanate outward, and the Capitol building is visible in the distance. The reverse features a magnificent flying eagle soaring above the rising sun. The design draws on classical Greek and Renaissance artistic traditions while remaining distinctly American in spirit and symbolism.
The 1907 High Relief: A Coin Too Beautiful to Make
Saint-Gaudens originally envisioned his design in ultra-high relief, similar to ancient Greek coins struck on thick planchets. The 1907 Ultra High Relief (also called Extremely High Relief) exists in only about 20 specimens, struck as patterns on special presses. These coins required up to nine strikes each and are among the most valuable US coins, with examples selling for over $2 million.
The 1907 High Relief was a production compromise — lower relief than Saint-Gaudens wanted but still dramatically higher than standard coinage. Approximately 12,367 were struck, requiring three strikes each on a hydraulic medal press. The High Relief double eagle is one of numismatics' most iconic coins, with its date rendered in Roman numerals (MCMVII) and its sculptural depth creating a three-dimensional quality unmatched by any other US coin. Prices range from about $15,000 in VF to over $100,000 in gem condition. Two varieties exist: Wire Rim (raised wire edge from the striking process) and Flat Rim.
Chief Engraver Charles Barber lowered the relief for regular production, and the Arabic numerals version (1907–1908) replaced the Roman date. While lacking the dramatic depth of the High Relief, the standard-relief Saint-Gaudens is still a stunningly beautiful coin that captures much of the original artistic vision.
No Motto vs. With Motto Issues
The Saint-Gaudens series has two major subtypes based on the motto "In God We Trust." Roosevelt personally opposed placing the national motto on coins, considering it sacrilegious to stamp God's name on money that would be used in commerce. The 1907–1908 No Motto coins were struck without the motto, but Congress overrode Roosevelt's wishes and mandated its inclusion. From 1908 through 1933, "In God We Trust" appears on the reverse above the sun.
Both subtypes are popular with collectors. The No Motto coins (1907 Arabic Numerals and 1908 No Motto) are scarcer as a group, with the 1908 No Motto being available from both Philadelphia and Denver. The With Motto series is more extensive and offers the widest range of collecting opportunities.
Key Dates and Rarities
The Saint-Gaudens series contains several significant rarities. The 1927-D (180,000 mintage) is a major condition rarity, with most examples heavily worn. The 1920-S (558,000 mintage) is scarce in mint state. The 1921 (528,500 mintage) is rare in all grades and is the key business-strike date of the series.
The most famous coin in the series — and arguably in all of American numismatics — is the 1933 double eagle. Although 445,500 were struck, none were officially released for circulation due to the Gold Reserve Act. Most were melted, but a small number escaped. One example sold at Sotheby's in 2002 for $7.59 million, and another sold in 2021 for $18.9 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. The legality of owning a 1933 double eagle has been the subject of decades of litigation between the government and private owners.
For collectors seeking more affordable key dates, the 1908-S, 1909-S, 1911-D, 1912, and 1914-S offer scarcer dates at moderate premiums over common coins. Denver and San Francisco mint marks generally carry higher values than Philadelphia issues of the same date.
Collecting Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
A complete date-and-mint set of Saint-Gaudens double eagles (excluding the 1933) contains approximately 50 coins, making it an achievable goal for dedicated collectors. Common dates from 1924–1928 are available in MS-63 to MS-65 grades for modest premiums over gold value, thanks to large quantities stored in European banks and later repatriated. These coins provide an outstanding entry point into one of numismatics' most beautiful series.
When grading Saint-Gaudens double eagles, focus on the breast feathers of the eagle on the reverse and Liberty's knee and torch on the obverse — these areas show wear first. In mint state, contact marks on Liberty's body and in the fields are the primary grade-limiting factors. Look for coins with strong luster, minimal marks, and full strike details for the best long-term value.
Visit coin shows to compare multiple Saint-Gaudens double eagles side by side. The difference between a flat, lifeless MS-62 and a vibrant, lustrous MS-64 is dramatic when viewed in person. Work with experienced dealers who can guide you toward coins with superior eye appeal — the "look" of a Saint-Gaudens double eagle is as important as its technical grade, and learning to distinguish exceptional coins from average ones is the key to building a collection that appreciates over time.
This guide is for educational purposes. Where official standards, grading services, organization memberships, or legal requirements apply, consult the primary authority named in the references below or the relevant government agency.
Reviewed on October 10, 2025 by the US Coin Shows editorial team. Editorial policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Saint-Gaudens double eagle considered the most beautiful US coin?
President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign US coinage in 1905. The resulting $20 coin features a full-length striding Liberty with torch and olive branch, inspired by classical Greek and Renaissance art, creating an unprecedented level of artistic achievement in US coinage.
How much did the 1933 double eagle sell for?
A 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagle sold at Sotheby's in June 2021 for $18.9 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold at auction. The coin's rarity stems from the Gold Reserve Act, which mandated melting of nearly all 445,500 specimens struck.
What is the difference between High Relief and regular Saint-Gaudens double eagles?
The 1907 High Relief coins were struck in dramatically raised relief requiring three strikes each on a special press, with the date in Roman numerals (MCMVII). Only about 12,367 were made. Regular production coins use lower relief and Arabic numerals, enabling mass production on standard presses.
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