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The 1914-S Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle, certified MS64 by PCGS, is a highly appealing coin from one of America’s most iconic numismatic series. As part of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle lineage, the 1914-S issue bears the hallmark design of acclaimed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, commissioned during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency as part of a bold initiative to beautify American coinage. The Saint-Gaudens double eagle series, minted from 1907 through 1933, is universally regarded as one of the greatest artistic achievements in American coinage history. The 1914-S issue, struck at the San Francisco Mint, is especially notable for its blend of low mintage, West Coast heritage, and strong preservation, making an MS64 example a particularly coveted specimen among advanced collectors and gold investors alike.
The obverse of the coin features the commanding image of Liberty striding forward with strength and grace. She holds a torch in her right hand symbolizing enlightenment and an olive branch in her left representing peace. Behind her, rays of a rising sun spread outward, and the dome of the U.S. Capitol appears to the lower left. The word “LIBERTY” is emblazoned across the top, and 46 stars encircle the edge of the coin, representing the number of states in the Union in 1914. On the reverse, a majestic bald eagle soars in full flight above the sun’s rays, with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” above and the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” nestled just above the sun. This version of the design is the refined, low-relief version introduced after 1907, which allowed for practical mass production while still retaining a sculptural, artful presence.
The 1914-S double eagle was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint, one of the primary facilities used for producing gold coinage due to its proximity to California’s gold fields and banking institutions. The total mintage for this issue was 1,498,000 coins, a figure that places it among the moderate-mintage dates in the series. However, a large percentage of these coins were later melted during the 1930s as part of the U.S. government’s gold recall and monetary reform. This makes surviving Mint State examples—particularly in higher grades like MS64—much scarcer than the mintage would suggest. Many of the 1914-S double eagles that do exist in uncirculated condition were preserved in overseas bank holdings, as U.S. gold coins were used in international commerce and stored in foreign vaults for decades before being repatriated in the mid-20th century.
The MS64 grade assigned by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) certifies that the coin is in near-Gem Uncirculated condition, only a single grade point below the coveted Gem (MS65) threshold. At this level, the coin retains full original mint luster and displays sharply struck design features with excellent eye appeal. The obverse and reverse are free from wear, and any marks present are light and generally confined to less conspicuous areas. For a coin as large and heavy as the double eagle, contact marks from stacking or handling are common, but MS64 examples are considered highly attractive and present minimal distractions. This coin, sealed in a PCGS holder, carries the assurance of authenticity, accurate grading, and secure long-term preservation. Its certification also enhances liquidity and market value among collectors and investors alike.
Visual characteristics of a 1914-S double eagle in MS64 typically include vibrant frosty or satiny luster and precise detailing in key design elements. Liberty’s face, gown folds, and torch are well rendered, and the eagle’s wings, feathers, and facial features are sharp and full. The sun’s rays on both sides of the coin are usually crisply defined, though some minor softness may occur in certain peripheral areas. Surface marks, if present, are minor and do not detract from the coin’s overall brilliance. Toning may range from bright yellow-gold to deeper shades of orange or rose depending on storage conditions, and such natural coloration is often prized by collectors for its originality and character.
The 1914-S double eagle is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 33.436 grams with a diameter of 34 millimeters. It contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold, giving it significant intrinsic value in addition to its numismatic appeal. These coins were intended for high-value commercial transactions, bank reserves, and international settlements, and were rarely handled by the general public. Most were stored in bags or vaults, contributing to their relatively high rates of preservation in comparison to other denominations. Nonetheless, the attrition caused by government melting in the 1930s makes original Mint State survivors particularly prized today, especially those certified by major grading services such as PCGS.
For collectors assembling a complete set of Saint-Gaudens double eagles by date and mint, the 1914-S is an important acquisition. It is one of only a few San Francisco Mint issues struck during the early years of the series and has maintained a steady level of demand due to its attractive blend of mintage scarcity, high-grade survivability, and beautiful design. The MS64 grade level offers a strong value proposition—offering near-Gem quality at a price point significantly lower than MS65 examples, which are notably rarer and command substantial premiums. This makes MS64 coins ideal for advanced collectors and those looking to maximize both visual appeal and potential investment upside.
The 1914-S Saint-Gaudens also holds interest from a historical perspective. As the world edged closer to the outbreak of World War I, gold continued to play a vital role in the global economy, and American gold coins such as this were used in both domestic and international commerce. The San Francisco Mint’s continued production of gold coinage through these years was essential to maintaining monetary stability on the West Coast. Coins like the 1914-S are thus not only beautiful artifacts but also practical relics of a monetary system in transition—soon to be upended by war, depression, and the shift away from the gold standard.
Market performance for the 1914-S double eagle in MS64 has shown steady appreciation in line with broader trends in U.S. numismatics and gold investing. Its appeal is multi-dimensional: it offers nearly one ounce of gold, is a certified high-grade example of one of the most lauded coin designs in American history, and is relatively scarce in MS64 or better. As a result, this coin is often sought by both collectors building Saint-Gaudens sets and investors seeking hard assets with historical value. The PCGS holder adds to the coin’s credibility and ease of resale, especially in competitive numismatic markets or registry set environments.
In conclusion, the Certified 1914-S Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle graded MS64 by PCGS is a standout specimen that brings together artistry, history, and investment-grade quality. Struck at the historic San Francisco Mint, this near-Gem example exhibits full mint brilliance, detailed engraving, and strong eye appeal. It offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a certified, high-grade piece from one of America’s most revered coin series. Whether as a centerpiece in a double eagle set or a tangible asset for portfolio diversification, the 1914-S in MS64 exemplifies the enduring legacy and desirability of Saint-Gaudens gold coinage.