Liberty Gold Double Eagle

The twenty dollar gold double eagle was introduced following the start of the California Gold Rush. Until that point, the largest authorized denomination was the eagle, or ten dollar gold piece. Double Eagles would be produced from 1849 to 1933, when federal gold was recalled.


The first design for the new denomination was created by James B. Longacre. Known as the Liberty Double Eagle or Liberty Coronet Double Eagle, the coins feature an image of the allegorical figure facing left with a coronet in her hair. The word Liberty is inscribed and thirteen stars surround the image. The reverse features a heraldic eagle with a shield and scrolls.

Struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, Carson City, and San Francisco Mint, this series lasted more than half a decade, concluding in 1907. A number of significant rarities are included due to low mintages and low survival rates.

At the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, a new design was created for America's largest gold denomination. The famous sculptor Augustus Saint Gaudens was the creator of the second and final design for the gold double eagle.

Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle

The Saint Gaudens Double Eagle features the full figure of Liberty in flowing gown with an olive branch and torch. She strides confidently forward with the rays of the sun and the Capitol building behind. The reverse features a young eagle in flight with the rays of the sun below.

This series contains many rarities due to the impact of the mass meltings following the recall of federal gold. While many coins did survive in overseas bank vaults or within collections assembled in America, many have only a few hundred or less known survivors.

The $20 Double Eagle is an important denomination within U.S. coinage and features beautiful designs and high intrinsic value. There are many collectors of the series who appreciate the history and challenge of collecting Gold Double Eagles.