Whitman Expo
1908 Motto $20 Gold MS
Details
By the second year of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle's production, the public was expressing bother over the absence of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the new $20 coin. Thus, the decision was made to add the national motto on the coin just above the sun disk emerging from the bottom of the reverse. The 1908 With motto Saint-Gaudens double eagle is common enough as an issue, though nice uncirculated examples prove quite scarce, with many devoid of exceptional luster. Gems are truly rare, commanding strong premiums particularly when two or more registry set collectors are vying for the same piece.
Obverse: Liberty is portrayed standing on a rock, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The word LIBERTY appears on the top periphery surrounded by stars. The date is stamped on the right side of the coin, just above the rock.
Reverse: A crescent sun appears at the bottom as if rising on the horizon with long rays extending to the top of the coin. A flying eagle covers the central portion, atop the rays. The words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA, TWENTY DOLLARS appear on the top periphery.
Basic Information
GSID:
10135
Coin Date:
1908
Denomination:
$20 / $20 Gold
Designation:
MS
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
Philadelphia
Mintage:
156,258
Coinage Type:
Twenty Dollar Gold Double Eagle
Coinage Years:
1908-1933
Composition:
90% gold; 10% copper
Varieties and Classification
Variety:
Motto
Physical Characteristics
Fineness:
0.9
Weight:
33.436 gr
Weight:
1.075 oz
Precious Metal Weight:
0.9675 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
34 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
