Top 5 Rarest Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles That Sold for Up to $4,440,000 – You Won’t Believe

Struck between 1907 and 1933, the Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle is often hailed as the most beautiful coin ever created by the U.S. Mint. The 1907 Ultra High Relief issues are particularly sought after, capturing sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ artistry and President Theodore Roosevelt’s mission to beautify American currency.

While some dates, like 1924 and 1926, are plentiful due to extensive preservation, others are exceptionally rare. Certain pieces are virtually impossible to obtain and fetch millions at auction, whereas others, while scarce, are still within reach for serious collectors with deep pockets.

1. 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Auction Record: $4,440,000 (MS66, August 2022)

Of the 180,000 coins minted in Denver in 1927, almost all were destroyed following the 1933 recall. Initially, experts thought a few had been sent overseas, but research indicates they mostly remained in Denver until melted in 1931. Fewer than 20 specimens are known today, including just nine certified by PCGS.

Interestingly, two coins were uncovered in a Connecticut museum in the 1990s. A specimen graded MS67 by PCGS could command as much as $4.5 million today, making it a prized rarity for collectors and investors alike.

2. 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Auction Record: $18,872,250 (MS65)

Known as perhaps the most legendary American coin, the 1933 Double Eagle is enshrouded in mystery and complex legal drama. Although 445,500 coins were minted, none were officially issued. Only one has been legally sold in the private market, and it brought in nearly $19 million.

The remaining examples are either retained by the Smithsonian Institution, confiscated or secured by the U.S. government, or assumed to have been destroyed. This coin stands as a monument to numismatic history and government policy during the Depression era.

3. 1907 Ultra High Relief, Lettered Edge

The original concept envisioned by Augustus Saint-Gaudens was this spectacular Ultra High Relief prototype. Each coin needed multiple strikes to bring out the extraordinary depth of its design. President Roosevelt famously had one specially minted as a wedding gift for his daughter.

Unfortunately, due to difficulties with production and circulation practicality, the design was ultimately changed. Today, these coins are exceedingly rare and remain a dream acquisition for many collectors due to their breathtaking artistry and historical significance.

4. 1921 Satin Proof Double Eagle

Auction Record: $2,010,000 (SP64+)

This nearly forgotten coin re-emerged in the early 2000s when two examples were discovered. One was ordered by Mint Director Raymond T. Baker to commemorate the birth of his nephew, while the origin of the second remains a mystery. It is believed that the second piece may also have been produced as a presentation coin.

What sets this coin apart is its distinctive Satin Proof finish, created during an era of minting experimentation. Today, it holds a revered place among rare American numismatic treasures.

5. 1930-S Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

Auction Record: $372,000 (MS66+, August 2019)

Out of the original 74,000 coins struck in San Francisco, only 50 to 75 are believed to still exist. The majority were melted down before being released. Among surviving specimens, one graded MS68 currently resides in the Smithsonian Institution. The 1930-S is celebrated for its crisp strike quality and radiant luster.

Though not as scarce as the 1933 or 1927-D, a high-grade example can still fetch around $450,000 in today’s market, placing it among the more desirable issues within this historic gold coin series.

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