Double Eagle Gold Coin
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The double eagle gold coin is said to hold one of the most beautiful monetary designs ever to grace the front and back of legal tender. The design for these golden pieces was created based on the artistry of Greek coinage by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The quest for beautiful tender began in 1905 when President Theodore Roosevelt was touring the Smithsonian Institute and was mesmerized by the artistry on Greek coinage. The president pondered the reasons why his own nation's money was so bland and boring in design. The beauty of the Greek coinage launched a decision by the president to forever change the face of legal tender in the United States. He contracted an artist named Augustus Saint-Gaudens to develop a variety of coinage that would reflect the country's greatness. By 1905, the United States had become the most powerful nation in the world, and Roosevelt felt that the artistry on the nation's money should reflect that power. For a fee of $5,000, Saint-Gaudens produced a coinage collection similar to that of the ancient Greek collection. Unfortunately, Saint-Gaudens was not able to complete his work because he died of cancer. His Majestic Double Eagle $20 Gold piece is however, considered to be the most beautiful of American eagle gold coins, and the most appealing and sought after in the entire world. It is the most famous of all the artists work.
On the front of the piece, Lady Liberty is portrayed as walking toward the viewer into the dawn of a new day. In her right hand is a torch held high, and in her left is an olive branch. This olive branch is the same branch spoke of in the Biblical time of Noah and the flood. " And he stayed yet another seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark; and the dove came into him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was and olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again to him any more" (Genesis 8:10-12). The olive branch symbolizes a new land, fresh and blessed of God. On the double eagle gold coin, the capital building can be seen in the background. At the top is the word "Liberty", and around the border are 46 stars representing the States of the Union in 1907. The settings for American eagle gold coins were taken from the artist's much acclaimed "Victory" sculpture that is currently held in the Sherman Monument in New York City's Central Park.
The reverse side of the infamous piece depicts an American eagle in mid-flight well above the sun's radiant beams. The inscription "United States of America Twenty Dollars" is arched across the top. When the president first viewed the double eagle gold coin, he knew it would be admired for ages to come. He was not aware, however, that his own cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt would confiscate all privately owned gold a quarter century later, and that most of these majestic works of art would be melted into golden bars. American eagle gold coins are now a rare commodity and carry a high value if in mint condition. This type of golden piece is among America's most popular collector items. The best collections include pieces that are not easily obtainable. A well known success story is an example of a collection owned by a New York attorney. From 1945-1955 this man collected many American eagle gold coins and was said to have the most complete collection ever seen. The total cost of collection to the attorney was $13,832, but when this collection auctioned in 1978, it realized $1,287,215. The right collection can be worth quite a lot of money when sold.
As a guide for the future, dealers suggest that investors purchase the golden pieces in a grade and quality of the highest caliber. Few higher quality pieces are much rarer and subsequently worth more than many lower quality pieces. The purchase of an undervalued double eagle gold coin is a must. A novice collector should also enlist the help of professionals. The best way to purchase rare coinage is to have a professional that can be depended upon recommend specific pieces. Experts also recommend that buyers only invest in rare coins graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). These are the most reputable independent grading services whose standards are accepted industry-wide. American eagle gold coins can be easily converted into cash by most dealers due to the worldwide recognition they have gained because of their government backing. They are popularly offered in four denominations: 1, 1/2, 1/4, and 1/10 troy ounces to appeal to anyone's budget. These pieces consistently hold their value no matter how volatile the financial climate becomes and are an irreplaceable addition to diversify any investment portfolio.
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