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- Product ID: 10335
The Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1910-D MS63 NGC is an exceptional representative of one of America's most celebrated coin designs, struck during a time when U.S. coinage was reaching new heights of artistic excellence. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series, produced from 1907 to 1933, was born from President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision of transforming American coins into symbols of national pride and classical beauty. Roosevelt personally commissioned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the $20 gold piece, resulting in a masterpiece often hailed as the most beautiful coin ever produced by the United States Mint. The 1910-D issue, minted in Denver, adds a further layer of intrigue, as Denver-minted Double Eagles from this era are prized for their relative scarcity compared to Philadelphia issues. Certified by NGC as MS63, this coin offers collectors the opportunity to own a near-gem quality example of this timeless design combined with the historical significance of an early Denver Mint issue.
The obverse of the 1910-D Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle features the full-length figure of Liberty, depicted in majestic stride as she holds a torch high in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Liberty is portrayed in flowing classical robes, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. Behind her, the sun’s rays rise upward, casting a powerful aura around her form, and the U.S. Capitol building appears at her feet. The word "LIBERTY" is boldly inscribed above, while a ring of 46 stars, one for each state at the time, encircles the outer edge of the design. The date "1910" is situated to the right, rendered in a clean, balanced font. In MS63 condition, the details in Liberty’s flowing gown, her torch, and the sun’s rays remain strongly defined, although minor contact marks typical of the grade may be present in the fields or other open areas of the coin.
The reverse of the 1910-D Double Eagle displays a soaring bald eagle in full flight above a radiant sun, an image brimming with strength, optimism, and vitality. The stylized sunbeams stretch across the background, reinforcing the theme of renewal and hope that permeates Saint-Gaudens' work. 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. This motto was added to the design beginning in 1908 after public demand for its inclusion. The reverse’s flowing lines and dynamic composition mirror the energy and optimism of early 20th-century America. On a Certified MS63 example, the eagle's feathers, the fine lines of the sun's rays, and the clean inscription are clearly visible, with vibrant luster and eye-catching detail despite some light abrasions from brief handling or contact with other coins.
The 1910-D Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle was struck at the Denver Mint, a relatively new facility at the time, having opened in 1906 to serve the needs of the mining-rich Western states. Coins produced at the Denver Mint bear the distinctive "D" mintmark, located to the left of the date on the obverse. Compared to Philadelphia Mint issues, Denver-minted Saint-Gaudens coins generally had smaller production figures, and many were melted in later decades following the Gold Reserve Act of 1934, which recalled most circulating gold coins. For the 1910-D Double Eagle, the original mintage was 429,000 pieces, a relatively modest number for the series. Given the widespread melting of gold coins during the 1930s, surviving examples today are scarcer than their original mintage might suggest, particularly in higher Mint State grades. This scarcity contributes to the desirability of Certified 1910-D specimens among serious collectors and investors.
The Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1910-D MS63 NGC presents an attractive example for collectors seeking a balance between high quality and value. Coins graded MS63 exhibit strong eye appeal, sharp strikes, and vibrant original luster, although they may display moderate bag marks or contact marks primarily confined to the fields rather than the devices. On this 1910-D, Liberty's features, the sun's rays, and the Capitol building retain considerable sharpness, while the eagle’s wings and body on the reverse are well-delineated. The fields display a pleasing semi-reflective quality typical of well-struck Denver Mint issues. While MS64 and MS65 coins command significant premiums, MS63 examples like this provide an opportunity to own a top-quality Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle without the exponentially higher costs associated with higher mint state grades.
NGC certification adds tremendous value and peace of mind to the 1910-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. As one of the leading third-party grading services in the world, NGC ensures that the coin has been thoroughly authenticated, accurately graded, and securely encapsulated in a tamper-evident holder. The encapsulation preserves the coin's current condition, protecting it from handling damage, environmental contaminants, and accidental mishandling. The NGC label includes important information such as the date, mintmark, denomination, grade, and a unique certification number, allowing collectors to verify the coin’s authenticity and details easily through NGC's online database. Owning an NGC-certified MS63 Double Eagle enhances the coin’s liquidity, desirability, and standing within the numismatic community.
The broader historical backdrop of the 1910-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is equally fascinating. The early 20th century was a period of immense change and innovation in the United States, with technological advances, social reforms, and economic expansion reshaping American life. The issuance of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle during this time symbolized the nation’s optimism, strength, and aspirations. Gold coins, including the Double Eagle, played an essential role in both domestic and international commerce, underpinning the gold standard and reinforcing the perception of the dollar as a stable and trusted currency. Every surviving Double Eagle, including the 1910-D, carries with it the legacy of this transformative era, offering collectors a tangible link to the United States’ emergence as a global power.
The market for Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1910-D MS63 NGC coins remains strong, reflecting continued collector and investor interest in both the series and early Denver Mint gold issues. While many common-date Saint-Gaudens coins are relatively plentiful in lower grades, branch mint issues like the 1910-D in MS63 condition are less common and therefore command strong premiums. Collectors seeking to build complete mintmark sets, or those simply desiring a beautiful example of the iconic design in higher Mint State grades, often prioritize coins like the 1910-D. With its combination of beauty, historical importance, and relative scarcity, the 1910-D Double Eagle continues to enjoy steady demand and is likely to appreciate in value over time as availability diminishes.
The Certified $20 Saint-Gaudens 1910-D MS63 NGC embodies the best qualities of American numismatic art, history, and investment potential. With Augustus Saint-Gaudens' magnificent design rendered in high-relief beauty, strong Denver Mint production standards, and excellent preservation in Mint State 63, this coin represents an outstanding acquisition for any serious collector. Whether admired for its rich historical connections, its elegant and powerful imagery, or its enduring appeal in the world of gold coinage, the 1910-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as a timeless treasure that captures the spirit and ambition of America’s golden age.