1912 St. Gaudens Double Eagle

About This Coin

The 1912 St. Gaudens Double Eagle is a United States Gold Double Eagle from the St. Gaudens Double Eagles 1907-1933 series. The obverse features Liberty striding forward holding a torch and olive branch, with rays of sunlight behind her — widely considered the most beautiful U.S. coin design, while the reverse displays a flying eagle with the rising sun behind it. Designed by Augustus Saint Gaudens. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a lettered edge. Produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is widely considered the most beautiful coin ever produced by the U.S. Mint. President Theodore Roosevelt personally recruited sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign American coinage. The original 1907 Ultra High Relief version required multiple strikes and was too impractical for commerce, leading to the standard relief version. Production ended in 1933 when the U.S. abandoned the gold standard. The 1933 Double Eagle is the world's most valuable coin, with a specimen selling for $18.9 million in 2021. The 1907 Ultra High Relief, 1908 "No Motto," and various mintmarked issues are avidly collected.