Gold Double Eagle Specifications

The double eagle was created to be the new highest gold denomination within the United States. The value of the coin would be $20, or twice the value of the eagle, thus the name double eagle.

Each coin is struck in 90% gold and 10% copper. The amount of pure gold content is 0.96750 troy ounces, giving even well circulated or common dates a large value based on the intrinsic value of the metal content.

The coins carry a weight of 34.29 grams and diameter of 34.29 mm. The first series was produced from 1849 to 1907 and designed by James B. Longacre. The second series was produced from 1907 to 1933 and designed by Augustus Saint Gaudens.

During the course of both series, the gold double eagle was struck at the Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, and San Fransicco Mints. For the Liberty Head design, the mint mark appears on the reverse beneath the eagle. For the Saint Gaudens design, the mark appears on the obverse below the date.