1932 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

1932 Saint-Gaudens double eagles were made in a large quantity originally, with 1,101,750 struck. However, $20 gold coins were only made at the United States Mint in 1932, but this is not the reason that double eagles of that date are now considered rare. In fact, most 1932 double eagles were melted following the abandonment of the gold standard in the 1933 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Today, 1932 double eagles are worth around $35,000 and up in uncirculated grades, which is commonly the grade that many 1932 $20 are found. Bear in mind, most double eagles of the early 1930s did not spend much time in circulation, and this has helped contribute to the relatively well condition of most later $20 gold coins.

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

Most double eagles were primarily used for the purposes of international trade. However, while the coin was not often encountered in daily transactions, it nevertheless gained the admiration of the public. Today, Saint-Gaudens double eagles are widely considered the most beautiful gold coin the United States has ever made.