In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt asked his personal friend, famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, to redesign the country’s coinage in the likeness of the coins of ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy. Although in failing health, Saint-Gaudens rose to what would become his last challenge, producing a stunning design that many consider to be the most beautiful coin ever produced.

There were several changes in the early years of this design. The first coins issued in 1907 design featured a date in Roman numerals, but this was changed later that year to the more convenient Arabic numerals. The motto “In God We Trust” was omitted from the initial design, as Roosevelt felt that it was inappropriate to put the name of God on money.

By act of Congress, the motto was added in mid-1908. Production of Saints, now “with motto,” resumed in 1908 and continued until 1933. Struck mostly in Philadelphia, $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coins were also produced in limited quantities during some years at the Denver and San Francisco mints.

Amerigold adds an interesting twist to history, saying that “in 1933, during the height of the Depression, President Franklin Roosevelt outlawed private ownership of gold by U.S. citizens. Gold coins were recalled from circulation, and the production of new U.S. gold coins was ended.

While Saints dated 1933 were minted, they were never officially released. Mysteriously, it is believed up to ten of the banned 1933 Saints were somehow removed from guarded mint bags and replaced by earlier dated coins. As you might expect, these 1933 Saints are now worth a fortune.”

Where to Buy Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

On-line auction sites such as eBay remain the best way to buy these coins, other online coin dealers such as Amerigold also offer then Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. Of course there’s also the local coin dealer that may or may not carry this coin. Regardless, these Double Eagle coins are a collectors dream.