1931 St. Gaudens Double Eagle

About This Coin

The 1931 St. Gaudens Double Eagle is a United States Gold Double Eagle from the St. Gaudens Double Eagles 1907-1933 series — a late issue, 22nd of 24 years in the series. In 1931, coins were struck at the Denver and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 3.0 million. This ranks 16th of 24 years by total mintage, above the series median of 1.9 million. 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 and the reverse displays a flying eagle with the rising sun behind it. Struck during the Great Depression, when mintages dropped sharply and the United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 33.4 grams, 34 mm in diameter, with a lettered edge. Struck one year after the 1930 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $18K to $101K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $360K in MS66 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Augustus Saint Gaudens.