-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 54297
Checkout
The Certified $20 St. Gaudens 1910 MS60 PCGS represents an exceptional example of one of the most iconic and artistically significant gold coins ever issued by the United States Mint. Named after its designer, the famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin was part of a bold and transformative redesign of American coinage initiated by President Theodore Roosevelt in the early 20th century. The goal of Roosevelt’s vision was to elevate the aesthetic quality of U.S. coins to rival the grandeur of ancient Greek and Roman pieces, and Saint-Gaudens’ $20 double eagle is widely regarded as the pinnacle of that endeavor. The 1910 issue, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, reflects the height of early 20th-century minting and artistic excellence while also standing as a significant historical artifact of America’s pre-World War I economic strength and imperial ambition.
The obverse of the 1910 St. Gaudens double eagle showcases a powerful depiction of Liberty striding forward with confidence and resolve. Draped in flowing robes and wearing a classical crown of rays, Liberty holds a lit torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Behind her, the rising sun’s rays stretch across the field, symbolizing a new dawn for the nation. At her feet is a small rendering of the U.S. Capitol building, and the word “LIBERTY” is boldly inscribed along the top edge of the coin. A ring of 46 stars encircles the rim, representing each state of the Union as of 1910. The dynamic posture of Liberty and the high-relief design created a sense of motion and vitality rarely seen on circulating coinage, exemplifying Saint-Gaudens’ mastery of form and symbolism.
The reverse of the coin features a majestic American eagle in full flight, soaring above a stylized sunburst. The bold lines and flowing feathers convey motion and strength, reinforcing the theme of national progress and ascendance. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” arc above the eagle. On issues minted from 1907 through mid-1908, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” was notably absent, per Roosevelt’s desire to separate religious reference from currency. However, strong public and congressional demand led to its restoration, and by 1910, the motto had been reinstated and appears beneath the sun on the reverse of this coin. The overall composition of the reverse remains one of the most admired designs in American numismatic history, revered for its clarity, symbolism, and bold execution.
The 1910 St. Gaudens double eagle was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the nation’s original minting facility and the primary producer of $20 gold pieces during this period. As with all Philadelphia issues of the double eagle series, no mintmark is present on the coin. The 1910 mintage totaled 482,000 pieces, making it a moderately available date within the series. However, given the coin’s gold content and subsequent mass melting, particularly during the 1930s recall under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, far fewer examples have survived. Many double eagles were melted down during the transition away from the gold standard, and surviving Mint State coins—especially those certified and preserved by third-party graders such as PCGS—represent a fraction of the original issue.
The St. Gaudens $20 double eagle is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, the standard alloy for U.S. gold coinage of the time. Each coin weighs 33.436 grams and contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. These physical characteristics contribute to the coin’s lasting appeal among investors and collectors alike, offering both aesthetic and intrinsic value. The size and heft of the coin make it particularly satisfying to hold and admire, and its high gold content ensures that it continues to serve as a reliable store of wealth. The coin’s visual brilliance, historical significance, and bullion foundation combine to make it one of the most widely pursued and respected pieces in American numismatics.
This particular 1910 double eagle has been certified by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as Mint State 60, a grade that denotes an uncirculated coin with no wear but with noticeable marks, abrasions, or luster breaks that prevent it from achieving higher mint state ratings. MS60 coins are often regarded as entry-level examples of uncirculated pieces, offering a balance between affordability and the appeal of a coin that has not entered circulation. Despite its modest grade within the Mint State spectrum, an MS60 example of the 1910 St. Gaudens double eagle retains strong detail, a bold strike, and clear design elements, including Liberty’s facial features, the folds of her gown, and the eagle’s finely etched feathers.
The surfaces of this coin likely display scattered contact marks and abrasions, typical of coins stored in canvas mint bags or handled during the distribution process, but without the smoothing or flatness characteristic of circulated specimens. Luster may be slightly muted or uneven in some areas, but the coin retains its original mint bloom and exhibits the full definition of the Saint-Gaudens design. For collectors seeking a genuine, problem-free Mint State example of a classic U.S. gold coin without venturing into the premium pricing of higher-grade coins, MS60 offers an excellent compromise. The PCGS certification ensures authenticity, grade accuracy, and long-term protection through encapsulation.
From a historical perspective, the 1910 issue represents a time of economic optimism and imperial expansion for the United States. The country was emerging as a global power, with growing industrial output and international influence. The elegance and symbolism of the St. Gaudens design mirrored this national confidence, making it a fitting emblem of the period. It circulated widely until the gold confiscations of the 1930s, when most examples were melted and lost forever. Surviving Mint State coins thus not only preserve monetary value but also serve as relics of a bygone era of American coinage, one in which artistry and statecraft were intertwined.
The Certified $20 St. Gaudens 1910 MS60 PCGS combines beauty, history, and tangible value in a format that remains highly respected by numismatists and precious metals investors. Its design is universally regarded as one of the most impressive to ever grace American coinage, and its role in the nation’s pre-Depression economy adds historical gravity. Certified Mint State examples provide assurance of quality and authenticity, with the MS60 grade offering a cost-effective route into the world of uncirculated gold coin collecting. Whether acquired as a numismatic centerpiece or a gold-backed investment, the 1910 St. Gaudens double eagle continues to captivate those who value the confluence of art, history, and wealth.