Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Value
1907–1933 · $20 · 90% gold, 10% copper
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $1,800 |
| Good (G-4) | $1,900 |
| Fine (F-12) | $2,000 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2,500 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $7,500 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $37,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1933 | Never released — only one legally ownable example, sold for $18.9M in 2021 | $18,900,000 (unique) |
| 1907 High Relief | First year, extremely high relief — only 11,250 struck | $15,000–$200,000+ |
| 1927-D | Only 180,000 minted, most melted — rare in any grade | $15,000–$200,000 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Augustus Saint-Gaudens
- Years
- 1907–1933
- Denomination
- $20
- Composition
- 90% gold, 10% copper
- Diameter
- 34 mm
- Weight
- 33.44 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: History & Background
Widely considered the most beautiful US coin ever made, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt as part of a renaissance of American coinage. The coin contains 0.9675 troy oz of gold. The 1933 Double Eagle is one of the most famous coins in the world — one example sold for $18.9 million in 2021.
How to Grade a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $1,800 in Poor to $2,500 in Uncirculated — a 1× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $7,500 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series has 3 notable key dates. The 1933 is valued at $18,900,000 (unique), far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Precious Metal Content
With a composition of 90% gold, 10% copper and a weight of 33.44g, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle carries intrinsic metal value that sets a price floor. When gold prices rise, even heavily worn examples appreciate. The melt value provides downside protection that base-metal coins lack.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (34mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907–1933) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this $20 coin was struck in 90% gold, 10% copper with a diameter of 34mm and weight of 33.44 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $2,000 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 3 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $7,500+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle worth today?
A Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907–1933) is worth between $1,800 in Poor condition and $2,500 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $2,000. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $7,500 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand and the spot price of gold.
▶What is the most valuable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
The most valuable Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is the 1933 — never released — only one legally ownable example, sold for $18.9m in 2021. This date is valued at $18,900,000 (unique) depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
Grading a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$2,000) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$2,500) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles?
For common-date Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
Yes. Known Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is real?
Authentic Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles weigh 33.44 grams and measure 34 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 90% gold, 10% copper. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $600.00 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1933 command large premiums; (3) Gold spot price — sets a floor value for circulated examples; (4) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were made?
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was produced from 1907–1933. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1933 is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
Never clean a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle a good investment?
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points and carry intrinsic gold value as a floor. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.