1908 $20 Saint Gaudens No Motto NGC MS64

The 1908 $20 Saint No Motto NGC MS64 is a cut above the majority of Gold Double Eagles available to the collector, certified as it is by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as having a mint state of 64. 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 must have for collectors.  

President Roosevelt admired the high relief coins of Ancient Greece and wanted to create beautiful coins for American circulation, he personally intervened to ensure that sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens was commissioned to design a coin - the first time this had been requested by a non-mint employee.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was assisted in designing the coin by Henry Hering - on whom he depended as his health worsened. Saint-Gaudens passed away in August 1907, but his partnership with Roosevelt led to one of the most sought after coins in U.S. history, popular with both collectors and the general public. Chief Engraver at the Mint, Charles E. Barber has been criticized for producing a low relief version of Saint-Gaudens original design, which is apparently less distinct than Saint-Gaudens intended, but today these coins are prized for their artistic merit and subtle gold luster.      

The obverse design of this coin shows Liberty seemingly striding towards you, 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 shown flowing in the breeze and her long hair trailing behind her. Her left foot rests on a rock which is obscured by some oak leaves. The rising sun can be seen behind Liberty, and the U.S. Capitol buildings are represented in the bottom left-hand corner. The word LIBERTY follows the contour around the top of the coin, though the torch is cleverly designed to intersect the letters, I and B. Look closely towards the rim of the coin and 46 stars can be seen each of which represents one of the 46 states of 1907. On the reverse of the coin, a flying eagle is shown in front of the rising sun, along with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS.

These 1908 $20 Gold Double Eagle coins do not include the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and it has been the subject of much speculation as to whether this absence was down to a belief on Roosevelt's part that invoking God's name on a coin was an act of blasphemy. The 'no motto' version was available for a limited period, as Congress took action in 1908 which meant the motto was restored later that year. The coins certified with an MS64 are generally more sought after than those certified MS62 or MS63. 'Without Motto' Gold Double Eagle coins were struck by the U.S. Mint at both their Philadelphia and Denver branches. Orders are usually fulfilled with coins struck in Philadelphia.

Overview of the1908 $20 Saint Gaudens No Motto NGC MS64:

• Metal: Gold
• Purity: 0.9000 / 22 Karat
• NGC MS64
• Diameter: 34 mm
• Weight in oz:  0.9675oz
• Weight: 33.4400g
• Classic Saint-Gaudens design
• Gold Double Eagle - 20 dollar piece
• 'No Motto' issue
• U.S. Mint: Philadelphia 
• Year of issue: 1908

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