1908 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

The 1908 Saint-Gaudens double eagle is so named for its designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a famed sculptor who was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt to redesign the double eagle gold coin. The first Saint-Gaudens double eagle was struck in 1907, but the design was soon modified to make the striking of the coin, which was originally made in high relief, more efficient.

1908 double eagles were struck in sizable quantities, including: 

• 1908 No Motto – 4,271,551, $2,878

• 1908-D No Motto – 663,750, $2,878

• 1908 – 156,258, $2,878

• 1908-D – 349,500, $2,878

• 1908-S – 22,000, $4,448

• 1908 proof – 101, $30,000

*Values are for coins in Extremely Fine-40 grade, unless otherwise noted.

Below are specifics about the Saint-Gaudens double eagle:

• Face Value: $20

• Overall Mass: 33.436 grams

• Diameter: 34 millimeters

• Edge: Lettered, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”

• Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper

• Gold: .96750 troy ounces

The incorporation of the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” on some coins created a variety of sorts among the 1908 Saint-Gaudens double eagle. For this reason, many coin collectors will try to assemble a collection that includes both the no-motto and motto-bearing double eagles from that year.