The $20 St Gauden MS-63 coin from 1908 features Lady Liberty on the obverse side, holding a torch aloft in her right hand and a laurel branch in her left, with the rising sun shining at her back. The reverse side shows the side profile of an eagle in flight and the same sun shining, depicted as radial lines inscribed on the coin. 

Renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed both images, present on all $20 gold coins minted between 1907 – 1933, and the $20 gold coin or “double eagle” is considered by many to be the most beautiful U.S. bullion coin there is. Saint-Gaudens died in 1907, one year before the release of the MS-63 1908 issue of this coin. The 1908 versions were difficult to strike due to the high relief image, which was lowered in subsequent mintages.

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt insisted on using the artwork, ordering the Mint in 1907 to “begin the new issue, even if it takes you all day to strike one piece!”. He later described it as “the best coin that has been struck for two thousand years.” Roosevelt ordered that the motto “In God We Trust” not be inscribed on these coins to not debase God’s name due to the use of money in criminal transactions, and this omission resulted in public controversy. Congress ordered that the motto be included the following year, leading to the 1908 issue being referred to as the “no motto double eagle.”

These coins were struck in an alloy composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing in at 0.96750 troy ounces. From Theodore Roosevelt’s personal interest in the coin to the controversy and legislative battle over the motto’s inclusion, the coin’s rich history has led to high demand, making the 1908 issue particularly sought after.

1908 $20 St Gauden Gold Coin (MS-63) highlights:

• Nominal face value of $20
• Slightly under one troy ounce of 90% gold, 10% copper alloy
• Labor-intensive, multiple-strike minting process that was eliminated in later issues
• Famous legal controversy over the inclusion of the “In God We Trust” motto
• Highly liquid market for an in-demand coin known for its beautiful and historic design