When a President Demanded Better Art on American Money

President Theodore Roosevelt was blunt: American coin designs were "artistically of atrocious hideousness." He personally recruited sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens — the most acclaimed American sculptor of his era — to redesign the nation's gold coinage.

The result was the Double Eagle ($20 gold): Liberty striding forward holding a torch and olive branch, with rays of sunlight behind her. The original 1907 Ultra High Relief version required multiple strikes and was deemed impractical for mass production, but modern technology made it possible to recreate in the 2009 UHR Gold Coin.

The 1933 Double Eagle is the world's most valuable coin — a specimen sold for $18.9 million in 2021. When FDR took the U.S. off the gold standard, the government ordered all 1933 Double Eagles returned and melted. Only a handful survived, and their legal status was contested for decades.

The Indian Head Gold series by Bela Lyon Pratt used revolutionary incuse (sunken) relief at Theodore Roosevelt's direction — critics said the recessed surfaces would collect germs, but collectors now prize the unique look.

Gold Coin Discussion

What's your favorite U.S. gold coin design?
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, Liberty Head, or Indian Head — which gold series is the best to collect?
Charlotte (C) and Dahlonega (D) mint gold — do you collect Southern branch mint gold?
Modern gold: American Gold Eagle, Buffalo, or First Spouse — which program is most appealing?

Gold Coins

Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle: The Most Beautiful Coin Ever Made?