Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The Saint-Gaudens double eagle is the $20 US gold coin designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and struck from 1907 to 1933: .900 fine gold, 33.436 grams, 0.9675 troy ounces of fine gold. The 1907 high relief carries the Roman-numeral date MCMVII; from 1908 the relief was lowered and IN GOD WE TRUST added. Circulating US gold coinage ended with the 1933 issues and the gold recall (Executive Order 6102). The same Saint-Gaudens obverse appears on the modern American Gold Eagle.
Key dates and mintages
| Date | Mintage | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1907 High Relief | — | First year, Roman-numeral date MCMVII |
| 1920-S | — | Key date |
| 1926-D | — | Key date |
| 1927-D | — | Key date |
| 1931-D | — | Key date |
| 1933 | — | None released; nearly all were melted |
Pre-1933 gold is covered in the Pre-1933 Coins guide and the first-year issue in 1907 Saint-Gaudens High Relief. Source: United States Mint records and PCGS CoinFacts.
Grading Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
Wear shows first on Liberty’s cheek and the eagle’s breast; circulated grades from VF to XF are common, while mint state is where frost and strike are judged. Certification details are in the coin grading guide and PCGS vs NGC.
Saint-Gaudens double eagles in stock
Frequently Asked Questions
How much gold is in a $20 Saint-Gaudens?
0.9675 troy ounces of fine gold in a 33.436-gram .900-fine coin.
Why is the 1933 double eagle so rare?
Production ended with the 1933 issues and Executive Order 6102 ordered gold coin deliveries; nearly all 1933 double eagles were melted. A single example was licensed for private ownership and sold at auction in 2002, and two others are held by the Smithsonian’s National Numismatic Collection.
Are Saint-Gaudens double eagles IRA-eligible?
Generally no — pre-1933 gold is treated as a collector item outside the Section 408(m) standards; see the coins allowed in a precious metals IRA guide and confirm with your custodian.
Questions about a specific date or grade? Call Elite Coin Group at 888-369-2950 or send a message through the contact page.