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The 1914-S $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a striking and historically significant coin that exemplifies the artistic excellence of early 20th-century American coinage. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this piece was part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s initiative to elevate the aesthetic quality of U.S. coinage. The 1914-S issue was struck at the San Francisco Mint, one of the key branches responsible for producing large quantities of circulating gold coinage during the pre-World War I era. In About Uncirculated (AU) condition, this coin displays sharp detail and a good portion of its original luster, offering collectors the charm of a nearly uncirculated piece of American numismatic artistry and historical importance.
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series began in 1907 and ran until 1933, interrupted only by the financial and political upheavals of the Great Depression and the gold recall of 1933. The 1914-S is part of the earlier group of issues that were struck during a time of economic prosperity and expanding American influence. Though not considered a key date in the series, the 1914-S is scarcer in high grades than its Philadelphia counterpart due to lower survivability and the nature of Western gold circulation. Coins from the San Francisco Mint often experienced more handling and wear than those stored in Eastern bank reserves, making high-grade examples particularly desirable.
The obverse of the 1914-S Double Eagle features the iconic image of Liberty striding forward, draped in a flowing gown and holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The Capitol building can be seen in the lower left background, while a rising sun blazes behind her. The design is framed by 46 stars along the rim, representing the states in the Union at the time. The word “LIBERTY” appears across the top, and the date “1914” is located at the bottom right, just above the rock upon which Liberty stands. On well-preserved AU examples, these elements retain most of their detail, with only light wear on the highest points, such as Liberty’s knee, chest, and the torch flame.
The reverse presents a bold image of a flying eagle with its wings stretched wide across the field, soaring above the sun’s rays. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” curve along the top edge, following the arc of the coin. Beneath the eagle, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is engraved between the rays, a feature added in mid-1908 after initial resistance to its inclusion. The high relief and symmetry of the reverse make it one of the most admired elements in all U.S. coinage. On an AU coin, the eagle’s feathers remain crisp, though some wear may appear on the wingtips or sun rays, with most original mint luster preserved in protected areas.
The 1914-S was struck in .900 fine gold with a composition of 90% gold and 10% copper, giving it a distinct reddish hue and added durability. Each coin weighs 33.436 grams and contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. Its diameter measures 34 mm, and the edge is lettered with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” a distinguishing characteristic that sets it apart from many other U.S. gold coins. The San Francisco Mint produced a total of 1,498,000 pieces in 1914, a mintage that seems high at first glance. However, far fewer have survived, especially in grades above AU, as many were melted during the 1930s gold recall or circulated heavily in the American West and overseas.
Many 1914-S Double Eagles were used in international trade or stored in vaults, but the turbulent events of the 20th century led to significant losses. During the 1930s, as the U.S. abandoned the gold standard, citizens were required to surrender gold coinage, and untold numbers of Double Eagles were melted. Of the coins that survived, most entered the collector market in circulated or lower Mint State grades. An AU example represents a coin that narrowly escaped these fates, retaining sharp detail with only minimal signs of wear and handling. These specimens are sought after for offering close-to-uncirculated eye appeal without the steep price of full MS coins.
In AU condition, the 1914-S Gold Double Eagle displays excellent detail in both the obverse and reverse designs. Wear is typically limited to high points such as Liberty’s thigh and chest or the eagle’s wingtips. Luster remains visible, especially around the stars and sunburst rays. Many AU coins will show minor contact marks or small abrasions from brief time in circulation or transport. When properly stored, they develop rich golden color with potential reddish or orange hues due to the copper alloy, sometimes enhanced by light natural toning that adds to the coin’s overall eye appeal.
The value of a 1914-S $20 Saint-Gaudens in AU condition typically ranges from $2,300 to $2,800 depending on the market price of gold, eye appeal, and grading specifics. Coins certified by PCGS or NGC are especially desirable, as authentication and accurate grading provide buyers with assurance of quality and legitimacy. Coins that exhibit exceptional luster, strike, and surface preservation may command premiums even within the AU range, especially if free from distracting marks or signs of improper cleaning.
From a historical perspective, the 1914-S issue was struck just months before the outbreak of World War I, a conflict that would profoundly alter the global financial landscape and contribute to the end of widespread gold circulation. It was also produced at a time when America’s westward expansion had matured, and cities like San Francisco represented booming centers of commerce. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, with its roots in Roosevelt’s artistic renaissance and its embodiment of national strength, remains a symbol of American idealism and confidence during that era.
In conclusion, the 1914-S $20 Gold Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in AU condition is a visually stunning and historically rich coin. With its elegant design, generous gold content, and association with the final era of circulating U.S. gold coinage, it holds a prominent place in both numismatic and historical collections. The AU grade offers collectors a near-Mint State appearance at a more accessible price point, making it an ideal acquisition for those who seek beauty, substance, and historical depth in their numismatic investments.