1908 $20 Saint Guadens No Motto NGC MS65

The 1908 $20 Saint No Motto NGC MS65 is a cut above the majority of Gold Double Eagles available on the market,  as it's certified by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as having a mint state of 65. Made from 22 Karat gold or 0.9000 fine gold, with a diameter of 34 mm and a weight of 0.9675oz or 33.4400 grams - this is a sought after coin.

But how did this legendary U.S. coin come to be produced? President Roosevelt had long-admired the high relief coins of Ancient Greece; he felt that American coins were "artistically of atrocious hideousness" and sought to create coins of artistic merit for American circulation. Roosevelt personally intervened to ensure that sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned to design a new coin and their partnership was to result in one of the most cherished of all American coins.

The obverse design shows Liberty striding forwards, with an olive branch held in her left hand and a torch aloft in her right hand, representing peace and enlightenment respectively. Her dress is flowing in the breeze and her hair trailing loosely behind her. Her left foot rests on a rocky outcrop which is partially obscured by a spray of oak leaves. The rising sun can be seen behind her, and the U.S. Capitol buildings are represented in the bottom left-hand corner of the design. The word "LIBERTY" follows the contour of the top of the coin, though the torch intersects the letters, I and B. Look at the rim of the coin, and 46 stars can be seen, each representing one of the 46 states of 1907. On the reverse of the coin, an eagle is shown flying in front of the rays of the sun, the detail so meticulous that individual feathers can be made out. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS" are also struck on the reverse side of the coin.

This version of the Gold Double Eagle coins do not include the words 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and the absence of this motto has been the subject of much speculation over the years. Perhaps it was a mistake, or perhaps it was a belief on Roosevelt's part that invoking God's name on a coin was blasphemous? Whatever the crux of the matter, the 'no motto' version was available for a limited period only, as Congress soon took action to ensure the motto was restored, hence these coins are highly collectible, and coins certified with an MS65 are particularly sought after. 'Without Motto' Gold Double Eagle coins were struck by the U.S. Mint at their Philadelphia and Denver branches, though our orders tend to be fulfilled coins struck in Philadelphia.

Overview of the 1908 $20 Saint Guadens No Motto NGC MS65

• Metal: Gold
• Purity: 0.9000 / 22 Karat
• Certified Mint State of 65
• Diameter: 34 mm
• Weight in oz:  0.9675oz
• Weight: 33.4400g
• Much-loved Saint-Gaudens design
• Gold Double Eagle
• Collectible 'No Motto' version
• U.S. Mint: Philadelphia branch
• Minted: 1908
• Face value: $20

Want to buy more historic American coins? We offer a range of historic American coins including the Morgan and Peace Dollars, plus gold coins with the Indian or Liberty head. Alternatively, buy junk silver for an intriguing mix of vintage coins to add to your collection - you never know what treasure you might unearth.