The Gold 20 Dollar Saint-Gaudens coin—often referred to as the “Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle”—is widely regarded by numismatists (and in my opinion, just about anyone who appreciates fine art) as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Here are its key features and historical highlights:

Designer:
- The coin was designed by the renowned American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. His work was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt in the early 1900s as part of Roosevelt’s mission to elevate the artistry of U.S. coinage.
- Saint-Gaudens’s distinct style is evident in the coin’s high-relief aesthetic and the bold presentation of Liberty.

Obverse (Front) Design:
- Depicts Lady Liberty, striding forward with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left.
- Rays of the rising sun emanate behind her, creating a dynamic background.
- The word “LIBERTY” arcs above her head, and the date is placed on the right side.
- Early 1907 versions featured a high-relief design and Roman numerals for the date; later pieces incorporated Arabic numerals and had a more practical, lower relief.

Reverse (Back) Design:
- Shows a majestic American eagle in flight, with the sun’s rays shining behind it.
- The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” circle around the top, while the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” is located near the eagle (though the earliest 1907-1908 “No Motto” varieties omitted it).

Composition and Specifications:
- Composed of 90% gold and 10% copper (typical of U.S. gold coins of that era).
- Contains just under one ounce of pure gold (roughly 0.9675 troy ounces).
- Measures about 34 mm in diameter and weighs approximately 33.436 grams.

Historical Context:
- Minted from 1907 through 1933, though 1933 saw the controversial end of gold coinage for circulation in the U.S., and nearly all 1933 Saint-Gaudens pieces were melted.
- The coin stands as a testament to the golden era of U.S. coin design spearheaded by President Roosevelt’s vision.

Collectibility and Legacy:
- Many collectors hold the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in high esteem for its artistry, historical significance, and gold content.
- Uncirculated specimens, particularly the high-relief 1907 coins, can command steep prices at auctions.
- It remains a symbol of American ingenuity in both numismatic art and precious-metal coinage.