The Top Three Key Date Issues of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Series

At Bullion Exchanges, we take pride in offering our clients detailed insights into the most coveted pieces of American numismatics. Among these treasures, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle coin series, minted from 1907 to 1933, stands out for its artistic beauty and historical significance. Designed by the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, these coins are often considered the most beautiful gold U.S. coins ever minted. Within this series, three key date issues are particularly prized by collectors and investors: the 1907 Ultra High Relief, the 1927-D, and the 1933 Double Eagle. In this article, we explore the history, significance, and value of these extraordinary coins.

1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Image source: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts

Mintage: Approximately 20-22
Historical Context: The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle embodies Augustus Saint-Gaudens' ultimate artistic vision for American coinage. President Theodore Roosevelt commissioned Saint-Gaudens to redesign the nation’s coins, aiming to elevate their aesthetic quality. The Ultra High Relief design, with its intricate details and three-dimensional appearance, was a testament to this ambition. However, the design proved too complex for mass production with the minting technology of the time, leading to an extremely limited production of about 20-22 coins.

Significance: This coin is not only a masterpiece of numismatic art but also a symbol of the ambitious collaboration between Roosevelt and Saint-Gaudens. Its creation marked a significant moment in American coinage, striving to achieve a level of beauty and artistry comparable to ancient Greek coins.

Value: Ultra High Relief examples can fetch millions of dollars at auction, reflecting their scarcity and artistic significance. These coins are highly sought after by collectors and are considered crown jewels of any numismatic collection.

 

1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Image source: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts

Mintage: 180,000
Surviving Examples: Fewer than a dozen known
Historical Context: The 1927-D Double Eagle is one of the rarest and most coveted coins in the Saint-Gaudens series. Although 180,000 coins were minted, nearly all were melted down in the 1930s during the Great Depression when the U.S. government recalled gold coins to support the nation's financial recovery. The very few that survived were somehow saved from the melting pot, making this coin exceedingly rare.

Significance: The 1927-D is often considered one of the "Holy Grails" of American coin collecting. Its rarity and the historical context of the Great Depression add layers of intrigue and value to this coin. Collectors prize it not only for its scarcity but also for the story it tells about a tumultuous period in American history.

Value: The few surviving examples of the 1927-D can command prices well into the seven-figure range at auction. Its rarity and historical significance make it one of the most valuable U.S. coins, sought after by the most discerning collectors.

 

1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Image source: https://www.pcgs.com/coinfacts

Mintage: 445,500 (all but a few melted down)
Surviving Examples: Approximately 13 known
Historical Context: The 1933 Double Eagle has a unique and complex legal and historical background. Although 445,500 were minted, none were officially released into circulation due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's executive order that took the U.S. off the gold standard and mandated the recall of gold coins. Nearly all were melted down, and the few that survived were either held back illegally or retained by the U.S. Mint for safekeeping.

Significance: The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the most famous and valuable coins in the world, partly due to its dramatic and controversial history. The coin's legal status was the subject of intense scrutiny and litigation, and owning one legally was once considered impossible until a settlement was reached for specific coins.

Value: The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the most valuable coins globally, with examples selling for millions of dollars. One sold at auction in 2002 for $7.59 million, and another set a world record in 2021, selling for $18.9 million.

Conclusion

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series exemplifies the pinnacle of artistic excellence and historical significance in American coinage. The 1907 Ultra High Relief, 1927-D, and 1933 Double Eagles are standout coins in this series, each distinguished by its unique story and extraordinary value. At Bullion Exchanges, we offer expert guidance and a wide selection of collectible coins. Explore our website, contact us, or stop by our New York City location in the Diamond District to discover how a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle coin can enhance your collection and connect you with the rich legacy of American numismatics.