Double Eagles ($20 Gold Coins): Key Dates, Errors & Pricing
Discover the power, prestige, and rarity of Double Eagles — America’s most iconic gold coins, including the legendary Saint-Gaudens design and elusive pre-1907 Liberty Head rarities.
📘 Download the full guide: Numismatics Handbook — A +135-page expert resource on U.S. coin collecting.
Why Double Eagle Gold Coins Matter
Minted from 1849 to 1933, the Double Eagle ($20 gold coin) was the highest denomination in regular U.S. coinage and stood at the heart of America’s monetary system for nearly a century.
Collectors and investors love Double Eagles for:
🪙 Substantial gold content — 0.9675 troy ounces of 90% gold per coin
🏛️ Timeless design — from Liberty’s classic bust to Saint-Gaudens’ neoclassical masterpiece
💎 Historic key dates — 1933, 1927-D, 1907 Ultra High Relief
🧩 Branch mint appeal — New Orleans (O), San Francisco (S), Denver (D), and Carson City (CC)
🔥 Legal-tender bullion alternative — Pre-1933 U.S. gold often avoids modern gold confiscation concerns
Double Eagle Gold Coins Types & Timeline
| Type | Years Minted | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Head | 1849–1907 | Classic Liberty bust and heraldic eagle |
| Saint-Gaudens | 1907–1933 | Striding Liberty with torch and rising sun |
✅ Tip: The 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens is widely regarded as the most beautiful U.S. coin ever struck.
Key Features of Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
✨ Design Impact
The Saint-Gaudens $20 piece was personally championed by President Teddy Roosevelt to elevate American coinage to fine art.
🏛️ Historical Significance
Double Eagles trace their history through the California Gold Rush, Civil War, and Roaring Twenties, until gold coins were recalled and melted in 1933.
🥇 Gold Composition
Each coin contains 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, with a 90% gold / 10% copper alloy for durability.
💎 Collector Demand
Certain dates and mints (like 1933 or 1927-D) can fetch millions — with demand from collectors, investors, and even institutions.
Most Valuable Double Eagle Coins (Detailed Breakdown)
- 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle — $18.8 million+
The world’s most valuable U.S. coin. Only one legal specimen is privately owned. - 1907 Ultra High Relief — $2.5M–$3M
Medallion-like beauty with a small production run. A showpiece in any elite collection. - 1927-D Saint-Gaudens — $1.5M–$2.5M
Nearly all were melted; only ~15 known to exist. - 1861 Paquet Reverse Liberty Head — $100,000–$500,000+
Experimental reverse; extremely scarce with unique font details. - 1856-O Liberty Head — $250,000+
One of the lowest mintage issues from the New Orleans Mint.
Liberty Head vs Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles
| Feature | Liberty Head (1849–1907) | Saint-Gaudens (1907–1933) |
|---|---|---|
| Obverse Design | Liberty bust | Striding Liberty with torch |
| Reverse Design | Heraldic Eagle | Soaring eagle or perched eagle |
| Strike Quality | Generally even | High relief in early years |
| Value Range | $1,800–$50,000+ | $2,000–$18M+ |
| Collector Demand | Strong | Institutional + elite collectors |
✅ Collector Insight: The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is the “holy grail” of U.S. gold — revered for its beauty and historical weight.
Common Double Eagle Gold Coins Errors & Varieties
🛠️ Top Gold Coin Errors:
- 1907 Wire Rim High Relief
- 1854-D $3 Error Strike
- 1921-S Misaligned Dies
- 1834 Classic Head Overdates
- Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs)
- Double D or S Mintmarks on late-1800s coins
✅ Error Tip: Even minor errors on certified Double Eagles can bring 2x–4x premiums — far more than similar errors on silver.
How to Sell Double Eagle Gold Coins
Step 1: Authenticate with Certification
✅ Use PCGS or NGC. Raw gold coins are often counterfeited or cleaned.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platform
- eBay – Great for generic, lower-grade common-date pieces
- GreatCollections – MS60–MS65 coins or semi-key dates
- Heritage Auctions – Key dates, high-grade rarities, proof issues
Step 3: Highlight Strike & Condition ✅ Include high-res images, grade info, mintmark close-ups, and gold content.
How to Store and Protect Double Eagles Gold Coins
🏛️ Use NGC/PCGS slabs or premium airtight capsules
🌡️ Store in cool, low-humidity conditions
🧤 Handle with cotton gloves or only by the edges
🧽 Never clean — Cleaning destroys originality and market value
✅ Bonus: Untouched coins with natural golden luster and strong strike surfaces command 10%–30% auction premiums.
FAQ about Double Eagle Gold Coins
What are Double Eagle Gold Coins?
A Double Eagle is a U.S. $20 gold coin minted from 1849 to 1933. It contains nearly one troy ounce of gold and was primarily used for large-value transactions and international reserves.
How much gold is in a Double Eagle Gold Coin?
Each Double Eagle contains 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, with a total weight of 33.436 grams and a composition of 90% gold and 10% copper for durability.
What are the rarest and most valuable Double Eagle Gold Coins?
Top-tier rarities include the 1933 Saint-Gaudens ($18.8 million), 1907 Ultra High Relief, 1927-D, 1861 Paquet Reverse, and 1856-O Liberty Head Double Eagles.
Why is the 1933 Double Eagle considered illegal?
The 1933 Double Eagle was never officially released due to FDR’s gold recall. Most were melted, and only a few are legal to own. Unauthorized possession is prohibited under U.S. law.
What is the difference between Liberty Head and Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles?
Liberty Head Double Eagles (1849–1907) have a classic profile of Liberty, while Saint-Gaudens coins (1907–1933) show Liberty striding forward in high relief — considered the most beautiful U.S. coin.
Are Double Eagles a good investment?
Yes. Double Eagles offer long-term value through their gold content and collectible appeal. Rare dates, mintmarks, and high-grade examples can appreciate significantly over time.
What is a high-relief Double Eagle?
High-relief Double Eagles, like the 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens, feature deeply sculpted designs. These coins are rare, visually stunning, and command large premiums.
How do I sell a Double Eagle gold coin?
For circulated or common issues, eBay is fine. For rare or certified coins, use GreatCollections or Heritage Auctions. Ensure authentication through PCGS or NGC for maximum value.
What types of Double Eagle mint errors exist?
Known errors include 1907 wire rims, overdates, misaligned dies, and repunched mintmarks. Since errors are rare in gold coins, they often sell for 2x–5x normal value.
Should I clean my Double Eagle before selling?
Never. Cleaning removes original surfaces and toning, drastically reducing value. Collectors and auction houses prefer untouched coins with natural luster and patina.