The 1907 Double Eagle is not just currency—it’s a masterpiece of American numismatic history. Crafted during a time of bold ambition, this coin captures the spirit of a nation reaching for greatness. Let’s dive into the story of this golden icon, where artistry, history, and a touch of presidential flair collide.
The Dawn of the Double Eagle
The Double Eagle, a $20 gold coin, first hit the scene in 1849, born from the gold rush fever that swept America. Named for its value—double that of the $10 Eagle—it was a hefty symbol of the nation’s growing economic might. But by the early 20th century, the original Liberty Head design by James B.
Longacre was feeling a bit dated, like a horse-drawn carriage in a world of automobiles. Enter President Theodore Roosevelt, a man with a vision to make American coinage as grand as the ancient coins of Greece and Rome.
Roosevelt’s Quest for Beauty
Teddy Roosevelt wasn’t just about charging up San Juan Hill or wrestling bears—he had a soft spot for art. In 1905, he tapped sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, a rockstar of the art world, to redesign the nation’s gold coins. Roosevelt wanted coins that screamed “America!” with elegance and power. Saint-Gaudens, known for his stunning sculptures, was the perfect guy for the job. His mission? To transform the Double Eagle into a work of art that would make jaws drop.
The Birth of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
Saint-Gaudens didn’t disappoint. His 1907 Double Eagle design was a game-changer. The obverse features Lady Liberty striding forward, torch in one hand, olive branch in the other, with the U.S. Capitol at her feet and rays of sunlight bursting behind her.
It’s like Liberty’s ready to conquer the world, one confident step at a time. The reverse? A majestic bald eagle soaring above a radiant sun, embodying freedom and strength. This wasn’t just a coin—it was a statement.
But here’s the kicker: Saint-Gaudens’ original high-relief design was so intricate it caused headaches at the U.S. Mint. Each coin took multiple strikes to produce, slowing down production to a crawl. Only about 12,367 high-relief versions were minted in 1907, making them rare treasures today.
The Mint eventually switched to a lower-relief version to keep up with demand, but those early high-relief coins? They’re the holy grail for collectors.
A Tale of Two Designs
The year 1907 was a pivotal one for the Double Eagle, as it marked the transition from the old Liberty Head design to Saint-Gaudens’ masterpiece. The Liberty Head, designed by Longacre, had been around since 1850, featuring a classic portrait of Lady Liberty with a coronet and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. It was reliable, but let’s be honest—it wasn’t turning heads by the 20th century.
The Liberty Head’s Last Hurrah
The 1907 Liberty Head Double Eagle was the final bow for Longacre’s design. Minted in Philadelphia, it had a modest mintage of 361,667 coins, and many were melted down in the 1930s under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s gold recall order.
Those that survived are prized for their historical significance, often graded in conditions like MS-63 (Mint State 63), with some fetching thousands at auction. Imagine holding one of these—a coin that circulated during the dawn of modern America, maybe even jingling in a prospector’s pocket.
The Saint-Gaudens Revolution
Meanwhile, the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was ushering in what’s called the “Renaissance of American Coinage.” Its high-relief version was a numismatic rockstar, but even the lower-relief coins that followed were stunning. The design was so iconic that it inspired the modern American Gold Eagle coins introduced in 1986.
The 1907 Saint-Gaudens coins, especially the high-relief ones, are now among the most coveted in the world, with some ultra-high-relief proofs valued at millions. One sold for $4.75 million in 2021—talk about a golden investment!
Why the 1907 Double Eagle Shines Today
So, why does the 1907 Double Eagle still make collectors and investors swoon? It’s not just the gold—it’s the story. This coin represents a moment when America dared to dream big, blending art with ambition. Its rarity, especially the high-relief versions, drives its value sky-high. Plus, the craftsmanship is unmatched—Saint-Gaudens’ design is like a tiny sculpture you can hold in your hand.
Rarity and Value
The 1907 high-relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a rare beast, with only a small number surviving. Even the low-relief versions are sought after, with prices varying based on condition and mint mark. For example, a 1907-D (Denver Mint) coin in MS-65 condition can fetch $5,000 to $10,000, while a high-relief proof might go for millions.
The Liberty Head version, while more common, still commands respect, with prices ranging from $2,500 in circulated condition to over $10,000 for uncirculated examples.
A Collector’s Dream
For numismatists, the 1907 Double Eagle is a bucket-list item. It’s not just about the money—it’s about owning a piece of history.
The high-relief coins are like finding a rare vinyl record in a thrift store, while the Liberty Head coins offer a nostalgic glimpse into America’s past. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a newbie, these coins tell a story of innovation, artistry, and a nation on the rise.
1907 Double Eagle Coin Variants
| Coin Type | Designer | Mintage | Key Features | Estimated Value (MS-63) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Head Double Eagle | James B. Longacre | 361,667 | Coronet Liberty, heraldic eagle | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Saint-Gaudens High Relief | Augustus Saint-Gaudens | 12,367 | Striding Liberty, soaring eagle, high relief | $50,000–$1,000,000+ |
| Saint-Gaudens Low Relief | Augustus Saint-Gaudens | ~1.2 million | Striding Liberty, soaring eagle, low relief | $2,000–$10,000 |
The Legacy of the 1907 Double Eagle
The 1907 Double Eagle isn’t just a coin—it’s a time capsule. It captures a moment when America was flexing its muscles on the world stage, with a president who believed beauty mattered as much as power. The transition from the Liberty Head to the Saint-Gaudens design marked a turning point in American coinage, setting a standard for artistry that still resonates today.
A Numismatic Love Story
Collectors chase the 1907 Double Eagle not just for its gold content (0.9675 troy ounces, to be exact) but for its romance. It’s the thrill of holding a coin that Teddy Roosevelt himself championed, or imagining Saint-Gaudens sketching Liberty’s bold stride. Even the Liberty Head, with its old-school charm, evokes a time when gold coins were the backbone of commerce.
Tips for Aspiring Collectors
Want to snag a 1907 Double Eagle? Start by researching reputable dealers like APMEX or Heritage Auctions. Check the coin’s condition—grading services like PCGS or NGC are your friends. Be wary of fakes, especially with high-relief versions; use tools like the Coin ID Scanner app to verify authenticity. And if you’re on a budget, consider a low-relief Saint-Gaudens or a circulated Liberty Head—they’re more accessible but still pack a historical punch.
Conclusion
The 1907 Double Eagle is more than a shiny piece of gold—it’s a portal to America’s past, a blend of art, ambition, and history. Whether it’s the classic Liberty Head or the breathtaking Saint-Gaudens design, this coin tells a story of a nation striving for greatness.
For collectors, it’s a treasure worth hunting; for dreamers, it’s a reminder that even pocket change can carry a legacy. So, next time you see a 1907 Double Eagle, don’t just see a coin—see a golden slice of the American Dream.