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The 1915-S $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a stunning example of America’s most iconic gold coin, struck at the San Francisco Mint during the final years before the United States entered World War I. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, the $20 Double Eagle features one of the most ambitious and celebrated designs in U.S. coinage history. The 1915-S issue, though not the rarest in the series, holds substantial historical and collectible significance, particularly in Uncirculated condition, where the full artistry and majesty of Saint-Gaudens’ vision are preserved in rich detail and glowing luster.
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was introduced in 1907 as a result of President Roosevelt’s campaign to revitalize American coinage. Its introduction marked a turning point in the artistry of U.S. mint issues, breaking away from more conservative, traditional designs and embracing the neoclassical ideals of the American Renaissance. The coin was struck continuously from 1907 through 1933, with a few interruptions and variations. By 1915, the United States was still neutral in the growing European conflict, and the San Francisco Mint played a key role in producing gold coinage to support both domestic commerce and international trade. This was especially true for the West Coast economy, which remained closely tied to gold-based transactions.
The obverse of the 1915-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle features the powerful image of Liberty striding forward confidently from the rising sun, holding a lit torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Her figure is framed by 46 stars representing the states in the Union at the time. The word “LIBERTY” arcs above her head, and the date “1915” is located just below the rock at her foot. This high-relief design was adapted from an even more intricate concept to allow for practical mass production, but it still retains dramatic depth and flow. In Uncirculated condition, the details of Liberty’s gown, facial features, and flowing hair are exceptionally sharp, with little or no wear and full mint luster gleaming from the coin’s surfaces.
The reverse displays a majestic eagle in flight, wings fully outstretched and soaring above a radiant sunburst. This composition is symbolic of the country’s rising spirit and power, fitting the ideals of a nation asserting itself on the global stage. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” arch above, and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is placed between the sun’s rays below. The striking symmetry and grace of the eagle’s form are hallmarks of Saint-Gaudens’ masterwork, and in Uncirculated examples, every feather and ray is distinct, with crisp definition unmarred by handling or circulation.
The 1915-S was struck at the San Francisco Mint, identified by the small “S” mintmark placed just above the date on the obverse. The total mintage for the 1915-S Double Eagle was 567,500 pieces, a moderately low figure for the series, though higher than the especially rare issues of 1920s and early 1930s. Many of these coins were exported, stored in bank vaults, or later melted following the gold recall of the 1930s. As a result, relatively few 1915-S Double Eagles remain in truly high grades today. Many that survive show bag marks or signs of friction, making premium Uncirculated examples especially valuable to collectors seeking strong eye appeal and originality.
Each 1915-S $20 Double Eagle was struck in the standard composition for the denomination: 90% gold and 10% copper, with a gross weight of 33.436 grams and a net gold content of 0.9675 troy ounces. The coin has a diameter of 34 mm and a distinctive edge that is lettered with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” This elegant feature, along with the coin’s overall design and size, contributes to its commanding presence. The gold-copper alloy gives the coin a warm, reddish hue that can develop rich toning over time, particularly on well-preserved examples that have not been cleaned or mishandled.
In true Uncirculated condition, a 1915-S Double Eagle will exhibit no trace of wear, with complete detail across the high points of the design and strong cartwheel luster. Common Uncirculated grades for this date include MS60 through MS63, though gems (MS65 and higher) are considerably scarcer. Strike quality on 1915-S coins is typically strong, though some softness may be seen on Liberty’s torch or the eagle’s breast due to minor variances in die pressure. Eye appeal is a key factor in pricing, as coins with fewer contact marks and vibrant color are often favored by collectors and can trade at significant premiums.
The collector market values 1915-S Double Eagles based on grade, originality, and certification. In lower Mint State grades (MS60–MS62), these coins generally sell in the $2,400 to $2,800 range, with prices rising steeply for MS63 and MS64 examples. Certified MS65 examples can exceed $6,000, reflecting their rarity and desirability. Third-party grading by PCGS or NGC is essential for this series, as it provides confidence in authenticity, preservation, and market liquidity. Coins with CAC approval or exceptional eye appeal can fetch even higher prices, especially from collectors building Saint-Gaudens registry sets or gold type collections.
Historically, the 1915-S occupies a fascinating niche in U.S. numismatics. It represents the last full year of American peace before the country entered World War I. Gold coins like this circulated regularly in the West, where paper money was less trusted and precious metals retained practical importance in commerce. The San Francisco Mint, situated near the center of the West Coast’s economic activity, played a vital role in maintaining gold coin supplies for business and banking. That many of these coins survived in Uncirculated condition is a testament to the care taken by bankers and collectors who valued their beauty and substance.
In conclusion, the 1915-S $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in Uncirculated condition is a spectacular specimen from one of America’s most beloved coin series. With its stunning design, generous gold content, and strong strike from the San Francisco Mint, it captures both the artistic renaissance of early 20th-century coinage and the historical moment before profound global upheaval. For collectors seeking a high-grade, eye-appealing representative of the Saint-Gaudens series, the 1915-S offers a superb balance of beauty, scarcity, and historical importance.