![]() Finally, in December 1907, a fourth variation was produced, an even lower relief 34-mm version, with Arabic numerals.ĭespite Saint-Gaudens’ artistic masterpiece, the minting process of the day was not conducive to high relief coins, which he and Roosevelt specifically desired. Because its relief was reduced, it did not require as much metal flow to fill the design, and was more suitable for mass production and approximately 12,000 were made. Its third attempt reduced the relief, and was struck in 34-mm version with Roman numerals. The coining process for the 34-mm version was too arduous, and the United States Mint would later find out it had no authority to mint the 27-mm version. The first two attempts were considered ultra high relief (also referred to as extremely high relief), a 34-mm version and a 27-mm version, both with Roman numerals. There were four variations of the 1907 Double Eagle. These stylistic elements represented the visual embodiment of America and made it the definitive American coin. The motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is on the edge of the coin, allowing a cleaner design on the obverse and reverse. This is America, young and strong, in its ascendancy with a bright future before it. The United States Capitol dome is also depicted in the background, meaning that through representative democracy, liberty has been fully achieved in America, strengthening her position to go forth throughout the world.Ī young eagle flying during a sunrise is depicted on the reverse. This design underscores that liberty is central to the American spirit, is beautiful and attractive to all, and wherever Liberty goes, inspired by enlightenment, peace follows. Liberty is leading the way with a torch in her front hand and an olive branch in the back hand. Liberty’s robe harkens back to our roots as a republic based on the ideals of ancient Greece and Rome. On the obverse, Saint-Gaudens shows Liberty, personified by a statuesque woman striding powerfully forward. and perhaps the world - the 1907 $20 gold piece, also known as the Double Eagle. What emerged has been called the most beautiful coin ever minted in the U.S. In 1905, President Roosevelt personally invited Saint-Gaudens to redesign American coinage, specifically U.S. Saint-Gaudens was a renowned sculptor and an artist who shared the President’s vision for expressing America’s national identity visually through art. It was this sense of purpose that led Roosevelt to choose Augustus Saint- Gaudens to redesign America’s coins. Coins were one of the most visible, tangible representations of a country. And its coins should reflect that, Roosevelt felt. The United States of America, a bold experiment in liberty and representative democracy, had not only succeeded, it had come of age. He thought the coins of that era were unattractive and wanted them to instead embody our national identity and growing preeminence on the world stage. In the early 1900’s President Theodore Roosevelt called for a “renaissance” in American coinage. Courtesy of Dartmouth College Library, Rauner Special Collections Library. The same design is currently used on the American Gold Eagle Bullion Coins.An early Augustus Saint-Gaudens Sketch. ![]() The Saint Gaudens Double Eagle is widely considered to be the most beautiful U.S. They share the same specifications as the prior series and were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints. The coins take their name from the designer, Augustus Saint Gaudens. The Saint Gaudens series was produced between 19. The coins had a diameter of 34 millimeters and were minted at the Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, and San Francisco Mints. These coins had a weight of 33.436 grams with a standard composition of 90% gold and 10% copper. The Liberty Head series was produced between 18. They were the Liberty Head series and Saint Gaudens series. There were two regular series of Double Eagles produced. The first double eagle produced now resides in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. Although the coin carried this date, it was actually minted one year earlier in 1850. ![]() The first double eagle was dated in 1849, the same year as the California Gold Rush. $10 face value coins were already being produced and were referred to as "gold eagles." Thus the new coin with twice the value and gold content was referred to as the "double eagle." ![]() The term "double eagle" was specifically used in the authorizing legislation from Congress passed on March 3, 1849. These are the largest denomination regular issue US coin. Gold Double Eagles are $20 face value coins which were issued by the United States between 18.
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