Gold Double Eagle Coins: Worthy Investment?

Double Eagle gold coins are a good investment for those looking to diversify their portfolio with a tangible asset. These coins, minted from 1849 to 1907, carry historical significance and provide direct exposure to precious metals. With a gold content of 0.9675 troy ounces, they offer investors a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. The scarcity and numismatic value of these coins further enhance their investment appeal, making them a valuable addition to any collection.

Gold content and value

Double Eagle gold coins are a good investment due to their high gold content and the resulting value.

The Double Eagle is a gold coin of the United States with a denomination of $20. Its gold content is 0.9675 troy ounces (30.09 grams) of pure gold, which was worth $20 at the 1849 official price of $20.67 per ounce. The Double Eagle coin thus offers a direct exposure to the precious metal, gold. The coins are made from a 90% gold (0.900 fine = 21.6 karat) and 10% copper alloy and have a total weight of 1.0750 troy ounces (33.44 grams).

The Double Eagle gold coins hold the highest gold content of any regularly issued U.S. gold coin of its time. The $20 Liberty Double Eagle coins, also known as Liberty Head Double Eagles, were minted from 1849 to 1907. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins were produced by the United States Mint from 1907 to 1933.

The value of the Liberty Head Double Eagle coin remains impressive and inspiring. A Liberty Head Double Eagle gold coin with a face value of $20 and in average condition is valued at around $2,000. In a certified high mint state (MS+), it can fetch as much as $6,000. Even in poor condition, the gold eagle coin is worth almost $185 more than its intrinsic value from gold content, which is around $1,815.32.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins are also highly valued due to their scarcity and legal complexities. In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order halting the circulation of gold coins, and most of the 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles were destroyed. However, a few managed to escape destruction, and their ownership became a legal matter. The 1933 $20 gold coin is highly coveted by collectors and investors due to its rarity and historical circumstances. Only a small number of these coins exist today, making them exceptionally rare and valuable.

Rarity and historical significance

Double Eagle gold coins are among the rarest and most valuable coins in the world. They were first introduced in 1849, coinciding with the California Gold Rush. The $20 gold pieces were designed by James B. Longacre and minted in three types: Type I "No Motto" (1850-1866), Type II with "Twenty D" on the reverse (1866-1876), and Type III with "Twenty Dollars" spelled out (1877-1907).

The scarcity and historical significance of these coins contribute to their investment appeal. As vintage gold coins with a limited supply, some years are rarer and more valuable than others. The $20 Liberty Double Eagle coins, also known as Liberty Head Double Eagles, were minted from 1849 to 1907 and are highly regarded by investors and numismatists. These coins contain 0.9675 ounces of pure gold, providing direct exposure to the precious metal.

The 1933 double eagle is one of the rarest and most valuable coins. Although 445,500 specimens were minted, none were officially circulated, and all but two were ordered to be melted down. Twenty coins were stolen and found their way into collectors' hands before being recovered. To date, only 13 specimens remain, with just one privately owned, known as the Weitzman Specimen. The 1933 double eagle sold at auction in 2021 for $18.9 million, making it the most expensive coin ever sold.

The Saint-Gaudens double eagle, designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, is another highly sought-after variety. These coins were produced from 1907 to 1933 and are considered among the most beautiful coins ever minted. The high-relief $20 gold piece, with its intricate design, routinely fetches prices above $10,000 and can reach nearly half a million dollars in pristine condition.

The rarity and historical significance of Double Eagle gold coins make them a desirable investment option. Their value is tied not only to their gold content but also to their numismatic premium, which can offer potential upside in the future.

Numismatic value and collector appeal

The $20 Liberty Double Eagle coins, also known as Liberty Head Double Eagles, are highly valued by numismatists and collectors due to their rich history, intricate designs, and scarcity. The obverse of the coin features the iconic Lady Liberty, representing freedom and progress, while the reverse showcases a majestic bald eagle, symbolising American strength and resilience.

The period between 1849 and 1907, when these coins were minted, witnessed significant events in American history, including the California Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the nation's industrial expansion. This adds to the historical significance and allure of the Liberty Double Eagle coins.

The $20 Liberty Double Eagle series includes several notable varieties and key dates that enhance their numismatic appeal. For instance, the 1861-P Paquet Reverse variety is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique design. Key dates such as the 1854-S, 1856-O, and 1870-CC are considered rare and command higher premiums.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins, minted from 1907 to 1933, are also highly prized by numismatists and collectors. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, these coins feature a captivating depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward, holding a torch and an olive branch, with a majestic eagle soaring above a radiant sun on the reverse. The intricate details, sense of motion, and classical beauty of the artwork make these coins highly desirable.

The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coin is especially notable for its extreme rarity and legal status. After the initial production, most coins were ordered to be melted down, but a few were clandestinely acquired by collectors. The U.S. government considers these coins illegal to own, except for one example issued to the Smithsonian Institution. The few examples that have appeared on the market have fetched astronomical prices, showcasing their desirability and prestige.

In summary, both the Liberty Double Eagle and Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle gold coins possess high numismatic value and collector appeal due to their historical significance, artistic designs, and scarcity. These coins represent a unique blend of investment potential and numismatic allure, attracting investors and collectors alike.

Types of Double Eagle coins

Double Eagle gold coins are a great investment option and a good way to diversify your portfolio. They are also a collector's dream. Here is a detailed breakdown of the types of Double Eagle coins:

Liberty Head Double Eagle (1849-1907)

Also known as the Liberty Double Eagle, this was the first type of Double Eagle coin, inaugurated in 1849. It is the largest gold coin struck by the United States at the time and is considered one of the most valuable coins in the world. The coin features Lady Liberty on the obverse, representing freedom and progress, and a majestic bald eagle on the reverse, symbolising American strength.

The Liberty Head Double Eagle has three types:

• Type 1, No Motto (1849-1866): This variety does not have the motto "In God We Trust" and was produced at the New Orleans, Philadelphia, and San Francisco mints.
• Type 2, With Motto, Twenty D (1866-1876): This type includes the motto and was produced at the San Francisco, Carson City, and Philadelphia mints.
• Type 3, With Motto, Twenty Dollars (1877-1907): The third type was produced at the New Orleans, Philadelphia, Carson City, San Francisco, and Denver mints, and the value was spelled out as "Twenty Dollars".

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (1907-1933)

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is named after its designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a premier American sculptor. This coin is considered one of the most beautiful US gold coins. It features Miss Liberty, walking with an olive branch and a torch, with the sun rising over the Capitol. The reverse depicts a flying bald eagle and the twenty-dollar denomination. The coin was produced by the US Mint from 1907 to 1933.

The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has six minor varieties:

• High relief, Roman numerals, no motto (1907)
• Low relief, Arabic numerals, no motto (1907-1908)
• Low relief, Arabic numerals, with motto (1908-1933)

Buying and selling Double Eagle coins

Double Eagle coins are a great investment option, especially for those looking to diversify their portfolio with tangible assets. These coins are not only rare but also offer direct exposure to gold, a precious metal that has historically been a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

When buying Double Eagle coins, it is important to consider the different types and varieties available. The two major types are the Liberty Head (Coronet) and the Saint-Gaudens, which was introduced later and is considered more desirable due to its intricate design. The Liberty Head coins can be further divided into three subtypes based on the presence or absence of the motto "In God We Trust" and the denomination design.

The value of Double Eagle coins depends on their condition, rarity, and historical significance. A Double Eagle coin with a face value of $20 in average condition can be valued at around $2,000. However, a coin in a certified high mint state (MS+) can fetch up to $6,000. The scarcity of certain years and mintmarks also contributes to their value.

When buying Double Eagle coins, it is advisable to purchase from reputable dealers or auction houses. It is essential to research the seller's reputation and ensure the coins' authenticity. Building relationships with dealers and staying informed about the market trends can be beneficial.

Selling Double Eagle coins can be done through similar channels, including auction houses, coin dealers, and online platforms. It is important to assess the market demand and timing to maximize the potential sale value. Additionally, having the coins graded by a reputable service can increase their value and provide assurance to potential buyers.

Overall, investing in Double Eagle coins can be a rewarding experience, offering both financial gains and the pleasure of owning a piece of American history. The rarity and historical significance of these coins make them a valuable addition to any investment portfolio or collection.

Frequently asked questions