Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle replaced the Longacre Liberty Double Eagle, a staple of 19^th century U.S. coinage. Named for its esteemed designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin’s creation represents both artistic brilliance and a dramatic chapter in American numismatic history. Saint-Gaudens, renowned for iconic works like the General Sherman Statue in New York and the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial, delivered what is widely considered the most beautiful U.S. coin design.

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Highlights

• Contains .96750 troy ounces of gold (90% gold, 10% copper alloy)
• Weight: 33.436 grams
• Diameter: 34.1 mm
• Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens (minted from 1907–1933)
• Largest denomination in regular-issue U.S. coinage

History of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

President Theodore Roosevelt, a passionate numismatist, lamented the lackluster designs of American coinage, which he found artistically unappealing. Inspired by ancient Greek coins, particularly those of Alexander the Great, Roosevelt envisioned elevating U.S. coinage to a new artistic standard.

In 1904, Roosevelt invited Augustus Saint-Gaudens to bring this vision to life. Despite reservations about collaborating with the U.S. Mint staff—stemming from a fraught experience in 1892—Saint-Gaudens accepted the challenge. His earlier design for the World Columbian Exposition half-dollar featured a bold, torch-bearing youth but was rejected, leaving the sculptor with lingering disdain for the Mint.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle marked a groundbreaking shift in U.S. Mint design. For the first time, a coin featured a dynamic, high-relief depiction of Lady Liberty stepping forward, torch in hand, from the rays of a rising (or setting) sun. This powerful image symbolized hope and guidance, with an oak and olive branch in her left hand representing civic success and peace. Encircling Liberty were 46 stars, later updated to 48 to include New Mexico and Arizona.

On the reverse, a soaring bald eagle appears in flight, free of the olive branch and arrows featured in previous designs.

Challenges in the Creation

The Double Eagle’s high-relief design demanded advanced striking techniques beyond the capabilities of early 20^th century minting technology. Roosevelt championed Saint-Gaudens’ vision, even as resistance came from Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, who deemed the concept impractical. Despite battling colon cancer, Saint-Gaudens worked tirelessly to perfect the design. After his death in 1907, Roosevelt ordered production to proceed, instructing the Mint to strike coins even if it required multiple attempts to achieve perfection.

The initial ultra-high-relief coins required up to five strikes each, with a few proofs receiving as many as seven. Approximately 11,250 coins bore Roman numerals for the date before Barber intervened, transitioning to Arabic numerals and lowering the relief for easier mass production.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was minted from 1907 to 1916, paused, and resumed in 1920 until 1933. Although many coins were later melted down, significant quantities survived thanks to European banks that safeguarded them for decades.

Legacy and Modern Revival

Today, many Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles have returned to the U.S., prized by collectors and investors alike. Proof coins remain exceptionally rare, with only 687 produced between 1908 and 1915.

The artistry of Saint-Gaudens and the determination of Roosevelt have left an enduring legacy. Modern minting techniques have since realized their shared vision, enabling the high-relief designs that were once a technical challenge.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle design was revived in 1986 for the American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin program, where it continues to represent the pinnacle of American coinage artistry.

Constitutional Gold Group is proud to offer these historic coins as valuable investments and symbols of America’s rich numismatic heritage.