$20 Liberty Gold—$20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coins
Here's a side-by-side comparison of the $20 Liberty Gold Coin and the $20 Saint-Gaudens —both known as “Double Eagles.” These are iconic pieces of U.S. numismatic history. They share the same metallic specifications but were produced in different eras with distinctly different designs. Both were real official legal tender that circulated in the hands of Americans and were traded worldwide. The gold coins still circulated until President Roosevelt’s 1933 "U.S. Government Recall of Gold" removed most gold coins from public hands—and it became illegal to own gold. These two Double Eagle coins are highly desirable and often accumulated first by collectors due to their large size, great eye appeal, and nearly one troy ounce gold content.
Key Specifications
Both coins share the same fundamental metallurgical and physical properties.
| Attribute | $20 Liberty Gold Coin | $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin |
|---|---|---|
| Years of Issue | 1850–1907 (first year 1849 was a pattern coin) | 1907–1933 |
| Designer | James B. Longacre | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
| Total Weight | 33.436 grams | 33.436 grams |
| Gold Purity | 90% gold (21.6 karat) | 90% gold (21.6 karat) |
| Gold Content | 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold | 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold |
| Diameter | 34 mm | 34 mm |
| Edge Type | Reeded | Lettered (“E PLURIBUS UNUM”) |
Design Distinctions
The primary differences between the two coins lie in their artistic designs:
-
$20 Liberty Gold Coin: The obverse features a classic, left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY,” encircled by 13 stars. The reverse displays a heraldic eagle with a shield, inspired by the Great Seal of the United States, surrounded by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination.
- $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin: Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful American coins ever minted. The obverse depicts a full-length, striding Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, with rays of sunlight behind her. The reverse features a flying eagle soaring above the sun.
Collectability and Value
Both coins are highly sought after as “pre-1933” U.S. gold. Values depend heavily on condition, rarity of specific dates and mint marks, and overall demand—on top of their gold content.
- Liberty Head coins are often slightly less in demand in common circulated grades, generally bringing prices a bit lower than the Saint-Gaudens type.
- Saint-Gaudens coins benefit from their reputation as a numismatic masterpiece, which can drive higher demand and value—especially in higher grades.
- The rare 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, almost entirely melted down, is among the most valuable coins in the world. One specimen sold for $19 million in June 2021.
For anyone thinking of investing in Pre-1933 Gold, these are the two coins to begin acquiring. The Rare Coin Specialists at RareCoins.com can help you get started today.