Numismatic

1909-S $20 St Gaudens Gold Double Eagle MS-64 NGC

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In 1909, the San Francisco Mint struck a magnificent gold coin that remains a high point of American numismatic art. This twenty dollar piece, containing 0.9675 troy ounces of gold, showcases a design that departed dramatically from the stiff, traditional portraiture of earlier eras. The coin represents a golden age of design, minted during a production run that spanned from 1907 to 1933. The front of the coin presents a dynamic image of Lady Liberty. She is depicted mid-stride, moving forward with determination. In her hands, she carries a lit torch to illuminate the path ahead, along with an olive branch. The reverse side of the coin captures a majestic bald eagle soaring through the sky, bathed in the rays of a rising sun. This side also bears the bold inscriptions indicating the nation of origin, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the face value, TWENTY DOLLARS. This particular specimen is preserved in a certified Mint State 64 condition, highlighting the incredible details envisioned by its creator, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The subtle 'S' mintmark on the coin denotes its origin from the West Coast minting facility in San Francisco, making it a fascinating piece of early twentieth-century history to explore.