Common, scarce and rare U.S. Double Eagles ($20 gold pieces; Liberty Head [1849-1907; Without Motto on Reverse (1849-66); Motto Above Eagle (1866-76)]; and Saint-Gaudens [1907-33; Ultra High Relief Pattern, MCMVII (1907); Without Motto IN GOD WE TRUST (1907-08); With Motto IN GOD WE TRUST (1908-33)]) at Mintmark.com; also links to other issues of Eagles and U.S. gold bullion coins (American Eagle [1986 to date]; American Buffalo [2006 to date]; First Spouse [2007 to date]).
1908 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
33.436 grams; .900 gold; 34 mm
"This largest denomination of all regular United States issues was authorized to be coined by the Act of March 3, 1849. Its weight was 516 grains, .900 fine [gold]. The 1849 double eagle is a unique pattern and reposes in the Smithsonian. The 1861 reverse design by Anthony C. Paquet was withdrawn soon after being struck. Very few pieces are known. Many consider the twenty-dollar gold piece designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens to be the most beautiful U.S. coin. The first coins issued were slightly more than 12,000 high-relief pieces struck for general circulation. The relief is much more higher than for later issues, and the date 1907 is in Roman numerals (MCMVII). A few of the Proof coins were made using the lettered-edge collar from the ultra high relief version. These can be distinguished by a pronounced bottom left serif on the N in UNUM, and other minor differences. High-relief Proofs are trial or experimental issues. Flat-relief double eagles were issued later in 1907 with Arabic numerals, and continued through 1933. The field of the rare, ultra high relief experimental pieces is excessively concave and connects directly with the edge without any border, giving it a sharp, knifelife appearance; Liberty's skirt shows two folds on the side of her right leg; the Capitol building in the background at left is very small; the sun, on the reverse side, has 14 rays, as opposed to the 13 rays on regular high-relief coins. The Proof finish of 1908 and 1911 through 1915 coins was originally referred to as San Blast Proof by the Mint. Proof coins minted in 1909 and 1910 have a different finish described as Satin Proof. In addition, double eagles from 1907 through 1911 have 46 stars on the obverse; and from 1912 through 1933, 48 stars. [also see, Gold Eagles]." — A Guide Book of United States Coins
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