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The 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 gold coin marks a revolutionary moment in American numismatics and the rebirth of artistic coinage in the United States. Commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of his campaign to elevate the beauty of U.S. coinage, the Saint-Gaudens design replaced the long-running Liberty Head double eagle, which had been in use since 1849. Roosevelt enlisted renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create a coin that reflected classical beauty and national pride. The result was a masterpiece that many consider the most beautiful coin ever produced by the United States Mint. The 1907 issue is historically significant as the inaugural year of this new design and embodies a transitional phase in both design and minting techniques. Among all 20th-century American gold issues, the 1907 Saint-Gaudens stands apart for its blend of artistry, historical narrative, and innovation.
Saint-Gaudens originally intended for the $20 gold coin to be struck in high relief, showcasing intricate detail and depth much like ancient Greek coins. However, the high-relief design posed serious technical problems for mass production. The coins required multiple strikes to bring out the full detail, making them impractical for commercial circulation. As a result, the Mint, under Chief Engraver Charles Barber’s direction, adjusted the design to a lower-relief version that could be more efficiently produced. The coin offered here, graded MS63 by PCGS, is the business strike version produced later in 1907 using this lower-relief format. Though it lacks the dramatic contouring of the ultra-high relief pieces, it remains exceptionally beautiful and retains many of Saint-Gaudens' original aesthetic elements. The obverse features Liberty striding forward, draped in flowing robes and holding a torch and olive branch, backed by a rising sun and framed by 46 stars. The reverse shows a majestic eagle in flight with the rays of the sun behind it, creating a powerful image of movement and optimism.
The 1907 Saint-Gaudens double eagle was produced at the Philadelphia Mint, the only facility to strike these coins that year. There are several varieties of the 1907 issue, including the Ultra High Relief, High Relief, and the regular-relief business strikes, sometimes referred to as “No Motto” issues due to the absence of the motto "In God We Trust." This omission was not accidental; President Roosevelt believed the phrase was sacrilegious when used on money and instructed that it be excluded. However, public backlash led Congress to mandate its inclusion on subsequent issues beginning later in 1908. The coin in question here belongs to the “No Motto” category and reflects that brief, ideologically significant moment in U.S. numismatic history. The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 361,667 of these low-relief No Motto coins before transitioning to the With Motto version in 1908. While not rare in the absolute sense, the 1907 “No Motto” Saint-Gaudens double eagle is essential for completing a full type set and is especially prized in higher Mint State grades.
The certified MS63 grade from PCGS denotes a coin in Choice Uncirculated condition. Mint State 63 coins exhibit full mint luster and no trace of circulation wear, though they may have a number of noticeable contact marks or small abrasions, typically concentrated in the fields or focal areas. For a large coin like the Saint-Gaudens double eagle, which has expansive open areas on both the obverse and reverse, maintaining a high level of surface quality can be challenging, making the MS63 grade a respectable and desirable state of preservation. This particular example, encapsulated by PCGS—one of the two leading third-party grading services—has been independently authenticated and graded, adding value, liquidity, and confidence to the purchase. In MS63, the coin balances beauty, affordability, and condition rarity, as higher grades such as MS65 and above command significantly higher premiums.
One of the most captivating aspects of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens double eagle is its artistic design, which stands in stark contrast to the more conservative Liberty Head type it replaced. The obverse depiction of Liberty walking forward, torch in one hand and olive branch in the other, symbolizes enlightenment and peace. Her figure is full of dynamism, echoing Saint-Gaudens' training in classical sculpture. The radiating sun adds dramatic flair and symbolic resonance, while the 46 stars around the rim represent the states of the Union at that time. The reverse, featuring a bald eagle in powerful flight, is equally bold. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” arc above the eagle, and the rays of the sun emanate from below. Together, both sides of the coin evoke a strong sense of national purpose and a uniquely American version of classical idealism.
The 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 gold coin is composed of .900 fine gold with a weight of 33.436 grams (1.075 troy ounces) and a diameter of 34 mm. As with other pre-1933 U.S. gold coins, it contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold, with the balance composed of copper to improve durability during circulation. The coin was struck using conventional steam-powered coining presses, which, in the case of the regular relief version, enabled more efficient production and distribution. While these coins were intended for commercial use and saw substantial circulation, many were stored in bank vaults or exported as part of international trade reserves. Surviving specimens in Mint State, particularly those certified by PCGS or NGC, are primarily sourced from these untouched hoards or repatriated from overseas banks decades later.
Collectors value the 1907 Saint-Gaudens MS63 not only for its beauty and condition but also for its historical significance as a bridge between two numismatic eras. It stands as a testament to President Roosevelt’s bold artistic vision and to Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ enduring legacy in American art. Owning a piece like this offers more than just a gold investment; it provides a tangible link to a period of American renaissance—a time when even circulating currency was elevated to the level of fine art. Because it lacks the "In God We Trust" motto, this particular year also evokes the controversies and ideological debates of the early 20th century, adding an intellectual dimension to its collectible value. Collectors focused on building type sets, gold sets, or Roosevelt-era collections view the 1907 MS63 as a cornerstone coin.
In terms of eye appeal, MS63 examples of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens typically display satiny or frosty luster, especially in the protected areas of the coin. The devices, particularly the torch, olive branch, and eagle feathers, remain sharply defined despite the coin's relief being moderated from the original high-relief version. Coloration may vary depending on the original storage environment, with many examples exhibiting warm golden-orange tones or subtle greenish hues from the copper alloy. The coin’s fields may show minor marks, but these are generally acceptable within the MS63 range and do not significantly detract from its overall beauty. A well-struck MS63 Saint-Gaudens double eagle is both a visual and historical treasure, representing one of the highest expressions of the Mint’s artistic capabilities during the golden age of American coinage.
In conclusion, the Certified 1907 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Coin graded MS63 by PCGS stands as a symbol of artistic ambition and numismatic significance. As the first year of issue and one of only a few “No Motto” types, it reflects a pivotal moment in the evolution of U.S. coinage. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint and composed of nearly one full ounce of gold, it offers a compelling combination of precious metal value, historic resonance, and artistic merit. Its MS63 grade confirms its Choice Uncirculated status, making it a smart choice for both collectors and investors seeking a premium-quality piece from the dawn of the Saint-Gaudens era. Whether as a standalone treasure or part of a broader gold type set, this coin offers timeless appeal, enduring value, and a legacy steeped in American numismatic history.