1907 – 1933
The St. Gaudens Double Eagle was minted from 1907 to 1933 (During the years 1917 through 1919 no Double Eagles were minted). These massive $20 face value gold coins contain slightly more than 30 grams of gold. But its more than the gold content in these beauties that determine their value. Each one is a peice of history with some dates being more hard to find than others.
Augustus St. Gaudens came up with a classic design when he was given the task of designing the Gold Double Eagle. Even today the St. Gaudens design is widely recognized and is in fact being used on the American Gold and Silver Eagles. Sadly this designer died shortly after he completed the Double Eagle and the Indian Eagle.
Some 1907 and 1908 dated Double Eagles were produced without the familiar “In God We Trust” motto. These are known as Godless Double Eagles.
In 1933 President F. D. Roosevelt took the United States down the road of no more gold standard. As a consequence the 1933 dated Double Eagles were never released for circulation and most were melted down. According to estimates there may have been as many as 30 specimens that escaped the melting pot.
A 1933 Double Eagle was auctioned by Sotheby’s for more than 7.5 million dollars! Yes, the 1933 St. Gaudens is worth more than any other coin in the entire world. Special arrangements were made with the US Government for the auction to be allowed. In other cases where a 1933 Double Eagle surfaced the coins were seized by the Secret Service.
St. Gaudens Double Eagle Specifications:
Minted: 1907 – 1933
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 33.436 grams, 1.075 troy ounces
Composition: 90% Gold 10% Copper
Gold Content: about 30.093 grams, 0.9675 troy ounces
Designer: Augustus St. Gaudens
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