Designed by: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Issue Date: 1907
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 33.43 grams (515.99 grains)
Edge: Lettered E PLURIBUS UNUM with stars interspersing
Business Strike Mintage: 11,250
Theodore Roosevelt’s desire for more artistic designs on our coinage was manifested in its highest form on the attractive double eagle designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The obverse portrayed the figure of Liberty striding forward, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The reverse showed a majestic eagle in flight. So popular was the obverse design, that it was selected for the American Gold Eagle Bullion coin in 1986, which continues to this day.
Making its debut in 1907, the first run of approximately 12,400 pieces were struck in high relief, appearing almost medallic in appearance. The date was shown in Roman numerals (MCMVII) and the overall effect was visually stunning. However, striking and stacking issues lead to a flattening of the entire relief and later issues that year were made using this lowered relief. We should note as well that a few pattern pieces in Ultra High Relief were also made, but these are major rarities well into seven-figures.
Today, like the later $20 Liberties, many double eagles of this type (nicknamed “Saints”) are held by investors seeking to invest in gold bullion. All of the Philadelphia issues from 1907 through 1928 (with the exception of 1921) are relatively common, and are available in quantity on the market.
