The History of the 20 Dollar Gold Coin: From Liberty to Saint-Gaudens and Beyond

If you’re serious about gold coin collecting or investing in historical bullion, few coins capture the imagination like the 20 dollar gold coin. Known as the “Double Eagle,” this iconic American coin has a story rich in artistry, history, and economic significance.

Today, we explore:

✅ The origins of the 20 dollar gold coin✅ The evolution of its designs, from Liberty to Saint-Gaudens✅ The special 2009 Ultra High Relief edition✅ Why collectors and investors worldwide seek these coins

The Birth of the 20 Dollar Gold Coin

The 20 dollar gold coin was first authorized under the Coinage Act of 1849 during the California Gold Rush. With gold flooding the U.S. economy, there was a need for a high-denomination coin for large transactions and bank reserves.

The first 20 dollar gold coin struck in 1849 was a pattern piece, with only two known examples (one held at the Smithsonian).

By 1850, the Double Eagle (20 dollar gold coin) entered circulation, becoming one of the highest denomination circulating coins in U.S. history.

Design Evolution of the 20 Dollar Gold Coin

1️⃣ Liberty Head (Coronet Head) – 1850 to 1907

Designed by James B. Longacre, the Liberty Head design features:

• Obverse: Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY,” surrounded by 13 stars and the date.

• Reverse: A heraldic eagle with a shield, holding arrows and an olive branch, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY D.” around the rim.

There are two major types within this design:

• Type I (1850–1866): Without “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

• Type II (1866–1876): Addition of “IN GOD WE TRUST” on a ribbon above the eagle.

• Type III (1877–1907): Minor design modifications, including larger denomination lettering.

The Liberty Head 20 dollar gold coin circulated heavily, especially in trade and banking during the Western expansion and gold discoveries.

2️⃣ Saint-Gaudens Design – 1907 to 1933

In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt sought to beautify American coinage, leading to sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens being commissioned to redesign the 20 dollar gold coin.

The result, introduced in 1907, is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted:

• Obverse: Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and olive branch, the Capitol in the background, and the rising sun behind.

• Reverse: A majestic eagle flying over the sun, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “TWENTY DOLLARS.”

This 20 dollar gold coin became known as the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.

Notable Features:

• Ultra High Relief patterns (1907) were struck but proved impractical for mass production.

• Most Saint-Gaudens coins were in high relief but practical for circulation.

• In 1933, the last Double Eagles were minted, but due to the Gold Confiscation Act, nearly all were melted, making surviving 1933 coins among the world’s rarest and most valuable.

  
  

The 2009 Ultra High Relief 20 Dollar Gold Coin

In 2009, the U.S. Mint revived the artistry of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle with a one-year-only Ultra High Relief 20 dollar gold coin.

Key Features:

• Struck in .9999 fine gold (24K), unlike the original 90% gold composition.

• Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.103g).

• Ultra high relief for depth and detail, fulfilling Saint-Gaudens’ original artistic vision.

• Edge lettering with “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and 13 stars.

• No mint mark, struck at West Point Mint.

This 2009 Ultra High Relief 20 dollar gold coin is prized among collectors for its beauty, purity, and status as a modern homage to a classic design.

Browse 20 Dollar Gold Coins Now

Why Collect or Invest in 20 Dollar Gold Coins?

✅ Historic Significance: Represents key periods in American history: the Gold Rush, westward expansion, and the Roaring Twenties.✅ Gold Content: Original coins are 90% gold, weighing 33.436 grams (about 0.9675 troy oz of pure gold).✅ Artistry: Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are considered the pinnacle of U.S. coin design.✅ Collector Demand: High demand in numismatic markets, with many coins maintaining premiums over melt value.✅ Liquidity: 20 dollar gold coins are globally recognized, making them easy to sell when needed.

Notable Examples of 20 Dollar Gold Coins

• 1850 First-Year Liberty Head – historic and collectible.

• 1861-S Paquet Reverse – rare variation with a unique reverse design.

• 1907 High Relief Saint-Gaudens – highly collectible, striking design.

• 1933 Double Eagle – extremely rare, with select examples selling for over $7 million.

• 2009 Ultra High Relief – modern collector piece with classic design.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Is a 20 Dollar Gold Coin Right for You?

If you are a collector seeking historic coins with artistry and a tangible link to American history, the 20 dollar gold coin is unmatched.

If you are an investor wanting globally recognized gold with numismatic upside, the Double Eagle’s gold content and market demand add strength to your portfolio.

Whether Liberty Head, Saint-Gaudens, or the 2009 Ultra High Relief, the 20 dollar gold coin offers:

✅ A piece of history✅ Beautiful design✅ Tangible wealth preservation

Explore 20 Dollar Gold Coins at GoldSilverJapan

At GoldSilverJapan, we offer:

✅ Certified Liberty Head and Saint-Gaudens 20 dollar gold coins.✅ 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagles.✅ Transparent pricing tied to the gold spot price with daily updates.✅ Competitive buyback service for liquidity.✅ Expert guidance in English and Japanese.

Ready to Add a 20 Dollar Gold Coin to Your Collection?

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