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The Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1916-S MS63 NGC represents a beautiful and historically significant coin from one of America’s most celebrated numismatic series. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, struck from 1907 to 1933, stands as a masterpiece of U.S. coinage, born from President Theodore Roosevelt’s mission to revitalize American coin artistry. The 1916-S issue, produced at the San Francisco Mint, came at a pivotal moment in American history, with the United States on the cusp of entering World War I. Although gold coinage remained an important part of everyday commerce, global political tensions and economic changes were beginning to shift the role of gold in the financial system. Certified by NGC as MS63, the 1916-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle offers collectors a superbly preserved example of a coin that combines stunning artistic beauty, historical context, and numismatic rarity, particularly as it relates to higher-grade survivors from the branch mints.
The obverse of the 1916-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle features the celebrated full-length image of Liberty, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Liberty strides forward powerfully, draped in flowing classical robes, carrying a torch of enlightenment in her right hand and an olive branch of peace in her left. Behind her, the rays of a rising sun and the U.S. Capitol building form a breathtaking backdrop symbolizing hope, renewal, and democratic ideals. Encircling the top of the coin are forty-six stars, representing the number of states in the Union at the time. The date “1916” appears at Liberty’s lower right. In MS63 condition, Liberty’s gown, torch, and facial features remain sharply defined, and the fields surrounding her typically show rich, swirling luster. The artistry and dynamism of Saint-Gaudens’ obverse design are fully evident, making this piece a striking example of American numismatic excellence.
The reverse of the 1916-S Saint-Gaudens $20 gold coin is equally powerful and symbolic. It showcases a majestic American bald eagle soaring above the sun, its wings stretched upward in a bold gesture of freedom and strength. The sun’s rays stretch across the lower half of the reverse, amplifying the sense of movement and vitality. Above the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS," while the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" appears between the eagle and the sun’s rays. In MS63 condition, the reverse design remains impressively well-struck, with intricate feather details and strong delineation in the sun’s radiance. The brilliance of the mirrored fields and the frosted relief elements are particularly vibrant, offering collectors a vivid appreciation for the reverse's dynamic energy and national symbolism.
The 1916-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was struck at the San Francisco Mint, a facility that had become a critical hub for U.S. coinage production since its establishment in 1854. The “S” mintmark, located on the obverse to the left of the date, distinguishes this coin from Philadelphia and Denver Mint issues. The San Francisco Mint, often referred to as "The Granite Lady" for its resilience during the 1906 earthquake, was known for producing coins with strong strikes and appealing luster. The 1916-S had an original mintage of 796,000 pieces, a relatively modest figure compared to some other years in the series. However, large quantities of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles, including many 1916-S pieces, were later melted in the 1930s following the end of circulating gold coinage in the United States. As a result, surviving examples in true Mint State grades like MS63 are much scarcer today than the original mintage might suggest.
The Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1916-S MS63 NGC is a particularly attractive specimen for collectors seeking both quality and historical significance. An MS63 grade indicates a coin that is fully uncirculated, with strong overall luster and good eye appeal. Minor contact marks or abrasions may be present, typical for the grade, but they do not significantly detract from the coin’s visual impact. On this 1916-S issue, Liberty’s features, the rays of the sun, and the eagle’s soaring wings are sharply rendered, while the fields often exhibit a pleasing satiny or softly frosted texture. In MS63, the coin strikes an excellent balance between affordability and high quality, offering collectors a superb opportunity to acquire a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle with both beauty and enduring value without venturing into the much higher premiums associated with gem-grade specimens.
NGC certification adds an important layer of security and confidence to the 1916-S Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle. As one of the most respected and widely trusted third-party grading services, NGC guarantees the authenticity and accurate grading of the coin. Encapsulated in a secure, tamper-evident holder, the coin is protected from environmental damage and handling while maintaining its stunning Mint State surfaces. The certification label provides key information, including the coin’s date, mintmark, denomination, grade, and a unique identification number, allowing for easy verification through the NGC database. Collectors highly value NGC certification, as it not only preserves the coin’s physical condition but also enhances its liquidity and desirability in the broader numismatic marketplace.
The historical backdrop of the 1916-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle enriches its importance to collectors and historians alike. The year 1916 marked a period of profound change in the United States and the world. Although the U.S. had not yet entered World War I, the conflict was escalating in Europe, reshaping global alliances and economies. Domestically, America was transitioning into an industrial superpower, with rapid technological advances and social changes laying the foundation for its emerging global leadership. Gold coins like the Double Eagle were integral to the financial system, representing stability and prosperity. However, within two decades, the Gold Reserve Act of 1934 would end the circulation of gold coinage, making surviving examples such as the 1916-S Double Eagle tangible remnants of a bygone economic era and a nation poised on the threshold of modernity.
The market for Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1916-S MS63 NGC coins remains strong, driven by the combined appeal of the coin’s artistry, historical significance, and relative scarcity in high grades. While circulated examples of various Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles can be found more easily, true Mint State coins, particularly from branch mints like San Francisco, command strong interest. MS63 offers a sweet spot for many collectors, delivering superior aesthetic quality without the exponentially higher premiums associated with MS64 or MS65 examples. As more collectors pursue complete date and mintmark sets or focus on acquiring high-quality examples of historic U.S. gold coinage, the 1916-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle remains an essential and highly desirable piece within the series.
The Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1916-S MS63 NGC is a stunning representation of America’s numismatic and artistic legacy. With its breathtaking designs by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, its careful striking at the San Francisco Mint, and its preservation in exceptional Mint State condition, this coin captures a pivotal moment in American history with elegance and power. Certified for authenticity and grade by NGC, it offers collectors both aesthetic excellence and lasting historical significance. Whether appreciated for its dynamic designs, its connection to a transformative period in U.S. and world history, or its enduring value as a certified Mint State gold coin, the 1916-S Double Eagle stands as a timeless treasure within the grand tradition of American coinage.