The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Gold $20 Double Eagle is one of the rarest and most valuable coins in American numismatics. Known for its stunning design and significant history, this coin captures the attention of collectors and historians alike. Let’s explore what makes this coin so special, its value, and why it remains a prized possession among numismatists.
1. Background of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of the most renowned sculptors of his time. President Theodore Roosevelt, who wanted U.S. coinage to reflect the country’s emerging artistic values, commissioned Saint-Gaudens to create the design. The coin first appeared in 1907, and it was produced until 1933. It’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever minted by the United States, and the $20 Double Eagle features the iconic image of Lady Liberty holding a torch, symbolizing enlightenment and progress.
2. Design and Features of the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle showcases Lady Liberty on the obverse (front) side, with her flowing hair and robe, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The reverse (back) side features a majestic eagle in flight against a backdrop of radiant sun rays. The coin has a diameter of 34 mm and contains 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, making it substantial both in size and in value. The “D” mintmark, indicating its Denver Mint origin, is located on the lower part of the reverse side.
3. Rarity and Value of the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Only a few 1927-D Double Eagles are known to exist today, making this coin extremely rare. While around 180,000 of these coins were minted in Denver, almost all were melted down during the Great Depression under the U.S. government’s gold recall order. Only around 15–20 are believed to be held privately. Because of this rarity, the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has become a treasure in the numismatic world.
In terms of value, the 1927-D Double Eagle can sell for millions of dollars depending on its condition and provenance. In recent auctions, high-quality versions have been valued at between $1 million and $3 million, with top-graded specimens fetching even higher prices.
4. Why the 1927-D Double Eagle Is So Rare
The rarity of the 1927-D Double Eagle is mainly due to the U.S. government’s decision to recall and melt down gold coins during the Great Depression. This action aimed to stabilize the economy and discourage the hoarding of gold. Most of the 1927-D coins, like many other gold coins minted in the late 1920s and early 1930s, were destroyed, leaving only a few that somehow escaped the melting pots. These remaining coins were either kept by collectors or found their way back into the market after being stored in private collections for decades.
5. Notable Auctions and Sales
The 1927-D Double Eagle is a star attraction whenever it appears at auctions. In 2005, a high-grade version sold for over $1.8 million at an auction. Collectors and investors eagerly seek this coin, and the few that come up for sale are often sold at record-breaking prices. As the coin’s rarity and historical significance continue to captivate numismatists, the value of the 1927-D Double Eagle is expected to rise.
Conclusion
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Gold $20 Double Eagle is more than just a coin; it’s a piece of American history. Its beautiful design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, coupled with its rarity due to historical events, makes it highly sought after by collectors worldwide. As one of the rarest coins from the United States, the 1927-D Double Eagle will continue to captivate numismatists and collectors for generations. For anyone interested in rare coins or American history, this Double Eagle is a fascinating example of how numismatics can reveal the past while providing a valuable investment.
1927 D Saint Gaudens Gold $20 Double Eagle: Coin Details
Here is a detailed table describing the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Gold $20 Double Eagle:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Gold $20 Double Eagle |
| Designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
| Minting Year | 1927 |
| Mintmark | D (Denver Mint) |
| Obverse Design | Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, with rays of sunlight behind her. |
| Reverse Design | An eagle in flight with a sunburst behind it. |
| Composition | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| Gold Content | 0.9675 troy ounces |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Weight | 33.436 grams |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mintage | 180,000 minted; most were melted down, leaving approximately 15-20 known to exist today. |
| Rarity | Extremely rare, with very few specimens available for sale. |
| Value | Ranges from $1 million to $3 million, depending on the coin’s condition and provenance. |
| Historical Significance | Produced during the late 1920s, a time of economic instability and prior to the Great Depression. |
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FAQs
1. Why is the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle so valuable?
The 1927-D Double Eagle is extremely valuable due to its rarity, historical significance, and artistic design. Only a handful exist today because most were melted down during the Great Depression.
2. How much gold is in a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
The coin contains approximately 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, making it both a valuable collector’s item and a substantial piece of gold bullion.
3. Where was the 1927-D Double Eagle minted?
This coin was minted at the Denver Mint, which is identified by the “D” mintmark on the reverse side of the coin.
4. How many 1927-D Double Eagles exist today?
Estimates suggest that around 15–20 of these coins are held in private collections, making it one of the rarest U.S. coins.
5. Can I buy a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
While extremely rare, these coins occasionally appear at high-profile auctions. However, they sell for millions of dollars, so they are typically only affordable for serious collectors and investors.