$20 Gold Double Eagle

$20 Gold Double Eagles at BGASC

In terms of Pre-1933 US Gold, $20 Gold Double Eagles are among the most popular. While these coins don’t have as long of a history as $10 Eagles or others, the larger gold content parlayed with stunning designs has contributed to their popularity. Learn more about $20 Gold Double Eagles right here, at BGASC.

Background of $20 Gold Double Eagles

Two different Coinage Acts created the $20 Gold Double Eagle and thus the popularity associated with it. The Coinage Act of 1837 increased the gold content in circulation coins to 90%. The remaining 10% was made up of a silver and copper alloy. This level of gold content was used in American coinage until 1933.

However, the $20 Gold Double Eagle wasn’t created until the Coinage Act of 1849. This act was passed by Congress during the California Gold Rush. The act mandated the creation of two new coins, the $20 Gold Double Eagle and the Gold Dollar.

1849 saw the debut of two proof strikes of the Double Eagle. One was given to the Smithsonian Institution while the other was given to William M. Meredith. These coins were regularly struck starting in 1850.

Liberty $20 Gold Double Eagles

The Liberty $20 Gold Double Eagle was issued from 1850 to 1907 and was designed by James B. Longacre, the Chief Engraver of the US Mint at the time. In total, 5 branches of the US Mint (Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco) struck these coins.

• Obverse: Liberty is depicted in left-profile relief with a coronet crown. The word “Liberty” is seen on the crown while 13 stars frame Liberty. The year of issue is displayed at the bottom.
• Reverse: These coins had 3 unique reverse images over the years. The overall design remained the same, which featured a heraldic eagle, 13 stars above the eagle’s head, with identifying marks surrounding it. The design remained the same from 1849 to 1866. In 1866 the motto “In God We Trust” was added above the eagle. Beginning in 1877 the denomination was changed from “Twenty D.” to “Twenty Dollars.”

Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagles

In 1904, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to change the design of American coinage. Thus, he asked for the help of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The new designs took years to create due to the declining health of Saint-Gaudens, parlayed with his design being difficult to strike. Before Saint-Gaudens passed away in 1907 he managed to create the designs for this Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle and the Indian $10 Gold Eagle.

• Obverse: Lady Liberty is seen walking towards the viewer, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The Capitol building as well as rays of sun are seen in the background. The original design featured 46 stars framing the design. In 1912 due to the inclusion of New Mexico and Arizona, two more stars were added.
• Reverse: A flying eagle design is seen on the reverse. The eagle is flying in left-profile relief as the sun is seen from the bottom of the coin. In 1908, the motto “In God We Trust” was added just above the sun.

Investing in $20 Gold Double Eagles at BGASC

Contact the BGASC customer service team today at 888-992-4272 with any questions you may have about these $20 Gold Double Eagles. Our team can also be reached via email or through our online chat feature.