The Double Eagle Saga: 1907 to 1933

Few coins have captured the imagination of collectors and historians quite like the 1907 Double Eagle and its counterpart, the 1933 Double Eagle. These coins have a rather interesting historical background. They are symbols of America's evolving financial system, presidential vision, and the sense of rarity.

Today, we’d like to tell you about the creative mind of Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the secretive drama surrounding the 1933 coins. So, let’s start our exploration of these interesting Double Eagle coins.

The Origins of the 1907 Double Eagle: Roosevelt’s Vision for American Coinage

At the turn of the 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt was on a mission: to transform U.S. currency into an effective one that could rival the ancient coins of Greece and Rome. He saw an opportunity to inject grandeur and beauty into everyday currency. 

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was a sculptor who was entrusted with redesigning the nation’s gold coins. The result was nothing short of spectacular. 

The 1907 Double Eagle coin, also known as the 1907 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle, was something special. Its design featured Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. It was a symbol of enlightenment and peace. The reverse side bore a double-sided eagle, wings outstretched against a rising sun.

This coin was initially produced in high relief. The designs were raised higher than usual. So, they had a more sculptural quality. It was rather stunning to look at. But the 1907 High Relief Double Eagle presented production challenges—it took multiple strikes to mint each coin. As a result, only a limited number of high-relief versions were produced before the U.S. Mint switched to a flatter, low-relief design.

This artistic creation was the dawn of a new era in U.S. coinage, but it was only the beginning of the Double Eagle saga.

The Rarest of the Rare: The 1933 Double Eagle Coin and Its Mysterious Past

If the 1907 Double Eagle was a symbol of artistry, the 1933 Double Eagle was one of secrecy, mystery, and intrigue. The 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle was minted in the final years before the U.S. government halted gold coin production for circulation. 

The U.S. had been hit by the Great Depression, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decision to take the nation off the gold standard meant that gold coins, including the Double Eagle, were no longer legal tender.

However, despite the halt in gold circulation, a small number of 1933 Double Eagles were minted but never officially released to the public. Most were melted down, but a few escaped. They became a numismatic legend. These coins quickly became highly wanted, not just for their beauty but for their historical significance.

The 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin Value skyrocketed over time due to its rarity and the legal battles surrounding its ownership. In 2002, one such coin was sold for an astounding $7.6 million (it’s known as the $7 6 million 1933 Double Eagle). It set a record that still captures imaginations today. The 1933 Double Eagle for sale remains the holy grail for collectors, as only a handful of these coins are known to exist legally.

Related article: The 1982 Penny: Small Dates and Large Dates.

The Story Behind the Pre 1933 US Gold Coins

The Double Eagles are part of a larger legacy of Pre 1933 Gold Coins, which are highly coveted for their historical significance. These coins were minted during a time when the U.S. operated on the gold standard. So, their face value was directly tied to a specific quantity of gold. 

However, the Great Depression and Roosevelt’s policy changes in 1933 brought an end to gold circulation. All these left behind a limited number of pre-1933 gold coins.

Collectors today are eager to have these coins, such as a 1800 Gold Coin, other old United States gold coins, and 1933 Double gold Eagle that we’re discussing, because they have interesting stories, limited numbers and high values. Unlike modern coins, these pieces of gold history can remind of a time when wealth was quite literally "as good as gold."

The Value of Double Eagles

Both the 1907 Double Eagle and the 1933 Double Eagle are among the most valuable coins in the world due to their rarity, history, and the legends surrounding them. 

Here’s a breakdown of the 1933 St Gaudens Double Eagle value and the 1907 Double Eagle gold coin value:

Disclaimer: The prices in the table are approximate, and depend on many different factors like the condition of a piece. If you want to know the current 1907 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle value or 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle value, contact auction houses or reliable grading services, or try to find the information in guides for collectors like the Cherrypickers' Guide.

Why Do Collectors Want Double Eagles for Sale?

The continued popularity of these coins is connected with their rarity, the craftsmanship and stories they represent. The Double Eagle coin 1907 symbolizes Roosevelt’s dream of elevating American coinage into the realm of fine art. The 1933 Double Eagle gold coin embodies the mystery of something lost and found.

Today, even one St Gaudens Double Eagle for sale is highly sought after. It even doesn’t matter if they are high-relief versions of the 1907 Double Eagle or the legendary 1933 Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle. Each coin is unique and shows America’s changing times—from prosperity to economic turmoil.

How to Add Them to Your Collection

If you’re a collector who hopes to own or already owns, for example, a 1907 High Relief Double Eagle for sale, this may be your best bet. Prices for these coins vary and depend on their condition and rarity. The 1907 High Relief Double Eagle can cost very much due to its limited mintage and design.

If you’re new to the world of gold coins, consider starting with other pre 1933 gold coins for sale instead of a Double Sided Eagle coin 1907-1933 because these coins are more accessible but still reflect America’s monetary history. 

Owning a Double Eagle coin 1933 or 1907 is THE experience. They are the story of a nation in transition—from Roosevelt’s desire for beauty and artistry to the economic collapse of the Great Depression.

If you’re looking for St Gaudens $20 prices, good luck to you then. One thing is certain: these coins are living pieces of history. As the years go by, their value is growing.

By the way, if you have one but still doubt whether it is or not, you can check it out in the Coin ID Scanner app. It’s a coin identifier by image. You need to upload a photo and the app will tell you after scanning what coin is this. Moreover, you’ll get all the necessary numismatic information. Try it now and share your experience with other collectors!

Sources:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Gaudens_double_eagle

2. https://www.amergold.com/gold/pre-1933-u-s-gold-coins/