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The $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle of 1907 in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition is one of the most historically important and visually magnificent coins ever produced by the United States Mint. The 1907 issue marked the beginning of a new era in American coinage, both artistically and technologically. Designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, this coin was part of a larger effort to elevate U.S. coinage to the level of fine art. The 1907 date, being the first year of issue, holds special significance in the numismatic world, and examples in BU condition are highly coveted for their historical prestige, stunning aesthetics, and gold content.
The concept of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was born from Roosevelt’s dissatisfaction with the artistic mediocrity of existing U.S. coinage. In 1905, he commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to design new $10 and $20 gold pieces that would rival the beauty of ancient Greek coins. Though Saint-Gaudens died in 1907 before seeing the final versions in circulation, his vision was realized in the $20 Double Eagle that now bears his name. The 1907 coins were struck in multiple varieties during the year as the Mint worked to adapt Saint-Gaudens’ high-relief designs to the technical limits of mass production.
The obverse design features a majestic full-length figure of Liberty striding confidently forward from the rising sun. She holds a torch aloft in her right hand, symbolizing enlightenment, and an olive branch in her left, symbolizing peace. Her flowing gown and windswept hair contribute to the dynamic realism of the composition. In the background, the Capitol building appears to Liberty’s lower left, while rays of sunlight radiate outward from behind her. The word “LIBERTY” arches across the top rim, and a ring of 46 stars surrounds the perimeter, representing the number of states in the Union at the time. The date “1907” is prominently displayed near the bottom.
The reverse design, equally striking, depicts a powerful American eagle in full flight against the rays of the sun. The bird’s wings stretch outward in a dynamic posture that conveys freedom and strength. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” curve above the eagle, while “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on certain varieties but is notably absent on the earliest 1907 issues. This omission was intentional in Saint-Gaudens’ original vision, as he sought to create a design free from textual clutter; however, public outcry led to the eventual inclusion of the motto on later strikes.
The 1907 Double Eagles were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the only facility striking the new design during its debut year. Multiple variations were issued that year, including the ultra-high relief, high relief, and low relief (also known as “Arabic numerals”) types. The earliest pieces were struck in extremely high relief, requiring multiple strikes and manual adjustments, making them impractical for mass circulation. The Mint quickly transitioned to a more standardized, lower-relief version suitable for efficient production. The vast majority of 1907 Double Eagles encountered today are of the low-relief variety, characterized by Arabic numerals in the date and a more practical design relief depth.
Each 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was struck in 90% gold and 10% copper, giving it a total gold weight of 0.9675 troy ounces and a gross weight of 33.436 grams. The coin measures 34 millimeters in diameter and has a reeded edge. Its size, gold content, and artistic merit have made it a centerpiece for collectors and investors alike. BU specimens retain the original mint luster, sharp strike details, and brilliant surfaces that distinguish them from circulated examples. In BU condition, Liberty’s facial features, the intricate folds of her gown, and the rays behind her should appear bold and undisturbed, while the eagle’s feathers and musculature on the reverse should display fine definition.
The mintage of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle totaled over 361,000 coins, though this figure includes the various relief types combined. The most famous sub-type, the Ultra High Relief, was limited to only a few dozen pieces and is considered a masterpiece of American numismatics. The High Relief versions, which still required multiple strikes, had a mintage of roughly 12,000 pieces before being replaced by the mass-produced low-relief type. Most surviving 1907 Double Eagles available today are of this final low-relief version, which allowed the coin to enter wide circulation. Nevertheless, being a first-year issue, it holds special value even in more common forms.
Examples of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens in BU condition often command a premium due to their eye appeal and historical significance. Brilliant Uncirculated specimens should exhibit full mint luster across both sides, with minimal marks or abrasions from handling or bag contact. The fields are typically clean, though contact marks may appear due to the heavy gold planchets being transported in bulk during the era. Coins that have been professionally graded MS60 to MS63 are widely available, while those achieving higher grades such as MS64 or MS65 are significantly scarcer and more valuable. Certified coins in BU condition are often housed in holders by PCGS or NGC, providing assurance of authenticity and grade stability.
From a market perspective, the 1907 BU Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle benefits from its dual appeal as both a collectible numismatic piece and a substantial gold investment. Its status as the debut issue in the series makes it a cornerstone for any collection of $20 gold pieces or 20th-century U.S. coinage. It is also favored by those who admire American artistic heritage, as it represents one of the most successful attempts to blend fine art with circulating coinage. The Saint-Gaudens design would remain in use until 1933, with only minor modifications, and continues to inspire modern bullion designs today, including the American Gold Eagle series.
The 1907 $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens in Brilliant Uncirculated condition represents a pivotal chapter in the history of U.S. coinage. With its majestic design, historical significance, and rich gold content, it embodies the very ideals of American numismatics—artistry, liberty, and legacy. Whether admired for its beauty, sought for its collectible status, or secured as a hedge against economic uncertainty, the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle remains one of the most iconic and desirable coins ever produced by the United States Mint.