Coin Collector

Coin Collector | 41 | www.allaboutcoins.co.uk ‘Liberty’ written in her tiara and thirteen stars surrounding her. The reverse design incorporates the icon of patriotism, the eagle in the representation of the Great American Seal with a halo of thirteen stars and a circumscription reading ‘United States of America - Twenty D’. The Latin motto adopted by the United States ‘E Pluribus Unum’, meaning ‘One out of Many’, is just about visible on the scrolls either side of the shield. This particular reverse appearance has adopted the moniker of ‘spread eagle reverse’. Between 1849-1861 there was no motto on the double eagle. 1849 Double Eagles The first coronet head double eagle was a pattern coin issued in 1849. There is only one known, although it is thought that up to three have been minted. The surviving coin is now housed at the Smithsonian and is argued to be the most valuable coin in the world. The 1883 and 1884 proof versions minted in Philadelphia are also prized partly thanks to their low mintage figures, 92 and 71 respectively. In 1861, for a brief period, double eagles were minted with a slightly different reverse design by Anthony C. Paquet. His design shows taller letters on the circumscription. The director of the mint ordered a recall and all new designs were to be melted. 19,250 of the San Francisco Minted coins were produced with about 100 thought to have survived most in a circulated grade. There are only 2 known examples of the Philadelphia minted versions. They are catalogued at $75,000 (S mintmark) and $2 million (Philadelphia minted). St Gaudens Design (1907 - 1933) Often considered the most beautifully designed coin the U.S. Mint has ever released, the Saint Gaudens Double Eagle appeals to both collectors and investors alike. The designer, Augustus Saint-Gaudens was an Irish born American sculptor who collaborated with President Roosevelt in 1904 to design a beautiful coin that would best represent America, whilst portraying peace, freedom and democracy. Roosevelt wanted a high relief coin producing, similar to those of Roman and Greek times. A few very high relief coins were struck in 1907 but they were very difficult to produce and did not stack. The mint lowered the relief but it was still high, the mint produced about 12,000 of these coins. Production was still difficult and the mint had to switch to producing a lower relief version later that year. Saint- Gaudens completed the design before his death in 1907 but never lived to see production of the coin into circulation. The very high relief specimens are highly sought after, currently being catalogued at $2 million with the high relief coins catalogued at $18,000. The obverse features Lady Liberty striding in front of the sun’s rays at the dawn of a new day. Her right hand holds aloft a torch, and in her left is an olive branch. The United States Capitol is visible in the lower left of the background, and stars representing the number of states in the Union run along the coin’s border. Her clothing reminds us of Greek or Roman dress. In the earlier issues of the 1907 gold coin, the date is shown in Roman Numerals. 1933 Gold Double Eagle The 1933 dated gold $20 Double Eagle is a well-known date, mainly because these dated coins were never officially released into circulation. Out of the 445,500 known to be minted there are only a few known From top: a 1864 Double Eagle showing the first design. Obverse on the left showing liberty looking left. There is no motto in the circle of stars on the reverse and ‘TWENTY D.’ Under the Great American seal. There is no mint mark on this coin as it was minted in philadelphia’ The Paquet design Double Eagle With tall lettering on reverse. Many were recalled and melted. Chards Coin and Bullion Dealer are a family run business in Blackpool, UK, who specialise in buying and selling gold, silver, platinum and palladium investment bullion products as well as ancient and modern collectable and commemorative coins. The firm has been selling gold and silver bullion in the UK and worldwide for over fifty years and are a multiple award-winning company, winning Bullion Dealer of the Year in 2018 for the fourth year running! Find our more at: www.chards.co.uk GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE COINS