1908 Saint Gaudens Motto

1908 Saint Gaudens Motto

Saint-Gaudens $20 (1907-1933)
Mint: Philadelphia
Mintage: 156,258
Obverse Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Reverse Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Composition: Gold
Fineness: 0.9000
Weight: 33.4400g
AGW: 0.9675oz
Melt Value: $1682.66 (4/7/2021)
Diameter: 34mm
Edge: Lettered

Jeff Garrett: Congress simply could not stand to see any coin without the motto IN GOD WE TRUST featured prominently. In 1908 it was decided to restore the motto on the reverse above the sun. Additional modifications were undertaken by engraver Charles Barber, which included slightly changing the font style of the lettering, adding a pupil to the eye of the eagle, adding a ninth feather to the tail of the eagle, and reducing the sun’s rays by one to total 33. The 1908 With Motto Double Eagle is actually quite scarce in all states of preservation. The issue is seen far less than many other double eagles of the era. Most are well struck with light green–gold colorations. The Smithsonian collection has only one example and the coin is graded AU 58. The finest coins of the issue graded by NGC have been at the MS 66 level, one of which sold for $32,200 in 2005. The mintage for proof coins for the year is 101 pieces. Most were struck with deep, matte surfaces. A unique example is known with satin Proof surfaces. The coin last sold for $276,000 at public auction in 2005.