Double Eagle Coin Value: Auction Records Explained

Few coins have captured the imagination of collectors and historians like the 1907 Double Eagle and its counterpart, the 1933 Double Eagle. These have a rather interesting historical background, for 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 rare double eagle coins. So, let us check coin value and rest assured that these can boost your collections for good. 

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, meaning that the designs were raised higher than usual with a more sculptural quality. 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

While the 1907 Double Eagle was a symbol of artistry, the 1933 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle was one of secrecy, mystery, and intrigue. It 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 were no longer legal tender.

However, despite the halt in gold circulation, a small number of these 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 2021, one such coin was sold for an astounding $18,872,250. 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.

American $20 Coins: An Overview of Auction Records

1854-O Liberty Gold $20

Auction Record: $177,502 (PCGS VF-35)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: Only 3 known examples exist in private hands

Why It Stands Out: This is one of the rarest Liberty Head Double Eagles ever minted, struck in New Orleans with a tiny mintage. It represents the South’s short-lived contribution to early Double Eagle production.

1857-S Liberty Gold $20 – Spiked Shield, S.S. Central America Shipwreck

Auction Record: $315,000 (PCGS MS-67+)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: Recovered from the famous S.S. Central America shipwreck

Why It Stands Out: Preserved underwater for over 130 years in its stunning condition and historic provenance from the “Ship of Gold,” which turns it into a maritime legend.

1864 Liberty Gold $20

Auction Record: $545,000 (NGC Proof-65 UC)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: Ultra Cameo proof issue with low mintage

Why It Stands Out: Struck during the height of the Civil War, this proof coin is a symbol of Union resilience and precision in an era of national turbulence.

1869 Liberty Gold $20

Auction Record: $1,220,000 (PCGS Proof-66+ DCAM)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: Deep Cameo surfaces with near-flawless condition

Why It Stands Out: Among the finest proof examples from the 1860s, there is a coin that features mirror-like fields and frosted elements, which makes it a true trophy piece for elite collectors.

1870-CC Liberty Gold $20

Auction Record: $385,000 (PCGS XF-45)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: First year of Carson City mint production

Why It Stands Out: This issue is revered for its Wild West origin, which was actually the debut of the Carson City Mint.

1892 Liberty Gold $20

Auction Record: $382,000 (PCGS MS-67)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: Impeccable gem condition, extremely rare at this grade

Why It Stands Out: This coin's unmatched preservation makes it an exceptional example from the tail end of the Liberty series.

1907 Saint-Gaudens Gold $20 – MCMVII High Relief, Flat Edge

Auction Record: $256,000 (PCGS MS-67)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: High relief design, Roman numerals, Flat Edge

Why It Stands Out: A numismatic masterpiece designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, which turned into a true collectible with investment potential rising over the years. 

1908 Saint-Gaudens Gold $20 – No Motto, Wells Fargo Nevada Gold

Auction Record: $255,000 (PCGS MS-69)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: From the famed Wells Fargo hoard, near-perfect grade

Why It Stands Out: Its pristine preservation is matched only by the legend surrounding its discovery in a Nevada bank vault decades later.

1909/8 Saint-Gaudens Gold $20

Auction Record: $271,000 (PCGS MS-66)

Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

Unique Features: Overdate variety (1909 struck over 1908)

Why It Stands Out: The rare overdate error adds something mysterious to the already-celebrated Saint-Gaudens series, prized for its beauty and technical minting oddity.

The Double Eagle Gold Coin Value

Both the 1907 $20 and the 1933 $20 are among the most valuable coins in the world due to their rarity, history, and the legends surrounding them.  But what is a Double Eagle Coin worth?

Disclaimer: The prices in the table are approximate and depend on different factors, like the condition of a piece. Should you wish 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 numismatic resources 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 the stories they represent. The $20 coin of 1907 symbolizes Roosevelt’s dream of elevating American coinage into the realm of fine art. 

Today, even one St Gaudens Double Eagle for sale is highly sought after. It does not even matter if they are high-relief versions or not. Each coin is unique and shows America’s changing times – from prosperity to economic crises over the years.

How to Add Them to Your Collection

If you are a collector who hopes to own or already owns, for example, a peculiar sample, this may be your best bet. Prices for these coins vary and depend on their condition and rarity. 

Are you 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, since those 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 are 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 genuine or not, you can check it out in the Coin ID Scanner app. All you have to do is upload a photo, and the app will tell you what coin it is. Moreover, you’ll get all the necessary numismatic information as a gift! Try it now and share your experience worldwide!