The 9 Most Valuable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles and Their History : The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most beautiful and sought-after gold coins in American history. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, these coins were minted from 1907 to 1933 and have become treasured pieces among collectors. Some of these coins are now worth millions due to their rarity, historical significance, and demand. Here are the nine most valuable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles and their fascinating history.
1. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is the most famous and valuable of them all. Although nearly 450,000 were minted, none were officially released into circulation due to President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s order to halt gold coin production. Most were melted down, but a few survived. One of these coins sold for over $18 million at auction in 2021, making it one of the most expensive coins in the world.
2. 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
This coin is extremely rare because very few were released into circulation. Most of the 1927-D coins were melted down, and only a few genuine examples remain. Collectors consider it one of the most valuable Double Eagles, with prices reaching up to $1.5 million for a well-preserved specimen.
3. 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1921 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is rare because of its low mintage. Only around 500,000 were produced, but very few survived. This coin can sell for over $200,000, depending on its condition, making it a prized possession among collectors.
4. 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is a masterpiece of coin design. This version had extra-high relief details, making it difficult to mint. Only around 20 examples exist, and they are worth millions. In 2012, one sold for over $2.7 million.
5. 1907 High Relief Wire Rim Double Eagle
This version of the 1907 Double Eagle features a high relief design and a distinctive wire rim. It was part of the early attempts to produce Saint-Gaudens’ vision. The rarity and artistic beauty of this coin make it highly valuable, often selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
6. 1907 High Relief Flat Rim Double Eagle
Similar to the wire rim version, the 1907 High Relief Flat Rim coin is another variation of the early Saint-Gaudens design. This coin is also rare and highly sought after, with values often exceeding $100,000.
7. 1920-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1920-S Double Eagle is one of the rarest coins from the Saint-Gaudens series. Most of the mintage was melted down, making it extremely difficult to find. When one appears at auction, it can sell for over $300,000.
8. 1929 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1929 Double Eagle is rare because of the Great Depression. Few of these coins were ever circulated, and most were melted down by the government. A high-quality specimen can fetch $250,000 or more.
9. 1915-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1915-S is another rare Double Eagle with limited surviving examples. Collectors prize it for its historical significance and low availability. Prices for this coin can reach well over $150,000 in top condition.
The Legacy of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
These coins represent a golden era of American numismatics. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is admired for its beauty and craftsmanship, and its history makes it even more intriguing. Whether you are a collector or an investor, owning one of these rare coins is a testament to their lasting value and significance.
If you own or are looking to acquire a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, make sure to authenticate it with a professional numismatist. With their increasing value, these coins remain a top choice for serious collectors around the world.
Disclaimer: Coin values fluctuate based on condition, rarity, and market demand. The $1.5 million valuation is speculative and not a guaranteed price. Always verify rare coin details with an official numismatic expert or grading service before making any financial decisions.
