Saint Gaudens Double Eagle

President Theodore Roosevelt felt that the coins during his era are ugly and unappealing. For the late President, these coins are not just round bits of metal meant for trading – they reflected the nation’s greatness. During 1905 onwards, United states had grown to be one of the most powerful countries around the globe. And Roosevelt wanted to make sure that the coins reflect this greatness.

As a solution, he contacted the man who created his 1905 Inauguration Medal that he truly adored – Augustus Saint-Gaudens. He asked for his aid to create a new design for United States coins. The aged sculptor agreed for a price of $5000 to craft the coins similar to the Greek design that Roosevelt truly admired.

Sadly, the old and skillful sculptor passed away because of cancer before he could even complete his project. However, he was able to finish his majestic Double Eagle coin, which came to be known as the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle. Up until today, many consider this to be the most famous among Saint-Gaudens’ works of art…and it’s not really surprising why.

Looking at the obverse side of the coin, you can find Lady Liberty’s image striding towards the viewer into a dawn of a new day. On her right hand, you can find a torch. On the left hand, you can find an olive branch. On the same side of the coin, you can find the Capitol Building to the lower left. On the obverse’s top, you can see the word LIBERTY. Around the border, you can also find 46 stars that represent States in 1907.

The reverse side of the coin is equally majestic! It shows an American Eagle flying above the sun’s rays…and the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TWENTY DOLLARS is found arcing across the top of the coin’s reverse.

When Roosevelt laid his eyes on the Double Eagle, he knew it would a coin that would be admired for ages…and he was right!