The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is one of the most celebrated and valuable coins in American numismatics. With its stunning design, historical significance, and extreme rarity, this $20 gold piece has captivated collectors for decades. Known for its record-breaking sales, including one specimen that fetched over $3 million, the 1927-D Double Eagle is a crown jewel of U.S. coinage and a testament to the artistry of its creator, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Its story is one of beauty, scarcity, and the enduring allure of rare coins.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle |
| Designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
| Denomination | $20 (Double Eagle) |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Weight & Diameter | 33.44 grams, 34 mm |
| Obverse Design | Liberty striding forward with a torch and olive branch, Capitol in background, radiating sun rays, “LIBERTY” above, “1927” below. |
| Reverse Design | Majestic eagle in flight, rising sun below, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” inscribed, “D” mintmark for Denver. |
| Mintage & Rarity | 180,000 minted, but most melted after the 1933 Gold Recall Act. Fewer than 20 known to survive. |
| Current Locations | Mostly in private collections and museums. |
| Auction Record | Sold for over $3 million, making it one of the most valuable U.S. gold coins. |
| Historical Context | Part of the iconic Saint-Gaudens series commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt to elevate U.S. coinage artistry. |
| Ways to Engage | – Study the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series. – Collect more accessible Double Eagles from other years. – Attend auctions and exhibitions. – Work with reputable dealers for authentication and certification. |
| Legacy | A masterpiece of American numismatic history, known for beauty, rarity, and record-breaking sales. |
Table of Contents
The Legacy of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, first minted in 1907, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the coin was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt, who sought to elevate American coinage to the level of ancient Greek and Roman art. The result was a masterpiece that combined artistry with symbolism, featuring a full-length figure of Liberty striding forward on the obverse and a majestic eagle in flight on the reverse.
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The 1927-D Double Eagle is part of this iconic series, struck at the Denver Mint during a time when gold coins were still in circulation but becoming increasingly scarce due to changing economic conditions. While millions of Double Eagles were minted in other years, the 1927-D issue stands out for its exceptionally low mintage and survival rate, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins in the series.
The Rarity of the 1927-D Double Eagle
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a rare coin by any measure. Records indicate that only 180,000 pieces were minted, but most were melted down following the Gold Recall Act of 1933, which prohibited the private ownership of gold coins. This act, part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s efforts to stabilize the economy during the Great Depression, led to the destruction of millions of gold coins, including many Double Eagles.
Today, it is estimated that fewer than 20 specimens of the 1927-D Double Eagle survive, with most residing in private collections or museums. This extreme rarity, combined with the coin’s historical significance and stunning design, has made it a prized possession for collectors and a star attraction at auctions.
Design and Features
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle shares the same design as other coins in the series, showcasing the artistry of Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Its specifications include:
- Diameter: 34 mm
- Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper
- Weight: 33.44 grams
- Obverse: The obverse features a full-length figure of Liberty striding forward, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The Capitol Building is visible in the background, and the sun’s rays radiate behind her. The word “LIBERTY” arcs above, and the date “1927” is inscribed below.
- Reverse: The reverse depicts a majestic eagle in flight, with the sun rising below it. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” frame the design. The mintmark “D” (for Denver) is located below the date on the obverse.
The coin’s high-relief design and intricate details make it a work of art as much as a piece of currency, embodying the neoclassical aesthetic that Saint-Gaudens and Roosevelt sought to achieve.
Record-Breaking Sales
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle’s rarity and beauty have made it a star at auctions. In recent years, specimens have sold for millions of dollars, with one particularly well-preserved example fetching over $3 million. These record-breaking sales underscore the coin’s status as one of the most valuable and desirable pieces in American numismatics.
The coin’s value is influenced by its condition, with well-preserved examples commanding the highest premiums. Coins with sharp details, minimal wear, and attractive toning are especially prized by collectors.
Collecting the 1927-D Double Eagle
For most collectors, owning a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a dream due to its extreme rarity and high value. However, there are ways to engage with its legacy and the broader world of gold coin collecting:
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- Learn About the Saint-Gaudens Series: Studying the history and design of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle series can deepen your appreciation for the 1927-D issue and other coins in the series.
- Explore Other Double Eagles: While the 1927-D Double Eagle may be out of reach, other dates and mintmarks in the series are more accessible to collectors. These coins offer a chance to own a piece of the same artistic legacy.
- Attend Auctions and Exhibitions: Even if you can’t own a 1927-D Double Eagle, attending auctions or exhibitions where the coin is displayed can provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see it in person.
- Work with Reputable Dealers: If you ever have the opportunity to acquire a high-value coin, ensure that you work with a trusted dealer or auction house. Authentication and certification by organizations like PCGS or NGC are essential.
Conclusion
The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is more than just a coin; it is a symbol of American artistry, history, and the enduring allure of rare and beautiful objects. Its record-breaking sales and extreme rarity have cemented its place as one of the most valuable coins in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual enthusiast, the 1927-D Double Eagle represents the pinnacle of numismatic achievement and the timeless fascination with uncovering the past. Its story is a reminder of the rich history that lies within each coin and the extraordinary value that collectors place on preserving it.
