Ever heard of a double eagle coin and wondered what it is? You're not alone. This term might sound like something out of a fantasy novel, but it's actually a fascinating piece of numismatic history. Let's dive into the world of double eagle coins, their origins, significance, and why they're still relevant today.
What is a Double Eagle Coin?
A double eagle coin is a large gold coin, typically with a face value of twenty dollars, struck by the United States Mint from 1849 to 1933. The name "double eagle" comes from the fact that it was worth twenty dollars, which was two times the value of an eagle coin (ten dollars).
History of the Double Eagle Coin
The double eagle coin was first authorized by the Act of April 22, 1792, which established the United States Mint. However, it wasn't until 1849 that the first double eagle was minted. The coin was designed by James B. Longacre and featured a beautiful obverse (front) design of a flying eagle, hence the name "eagle" coin.
Design Evolution
The design of the double eagle coin evolved over time. The original design, known as the "Type 1," was used from 1849 to 1866. In 1866, a new design, known as the "Type 2," was introduced. This design featured a more realistic representation of an eagle, with the coin's denomination "TWENTY D" inscribed below the eagle.
Why is the Double Eagle Coin Significant?
The double eagle coin played a significant role in the history of the United States. Here are a few reasons why:
- Gold Standard: The double eagle coin was one of the main coins used in international trade during the gold standard era. This period, from 1879 to 1933, saw the U.S. dollar's value pegged to the price of gold.
- Civil War Era: During the American Civil War, the double eagle coin was used to finance the war effort. The coin's high value made it ideal for large transactions.
- Artistic Significance: The double eagle coin is also significant for its artistic merit. The coin's design has been praised for its beauty and craftsmanship, making it a favorite among coin collectors.
The End of the Double Eagle Coin
The double eagle coin was last minted in 1933. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 6102, issued in response to the Great Depression, made it illegal for U.S. citizens to "hoard" gold coins, effectively ending the double eagle's production.
Double Eagle Coins Today
While the double eagle coin is no longer in circulation, it remains an important part of U.S. numismatic history. Today, double eagle coins are highly sought after by collectors. The most famous double eagle coin is the 1933 double eagle, which sold for a record-breaking $7.59 million at auction in 2002.
How to Identify a Double Eagle Coin
If you're lucky enough to find a double eagle coin, here's how you can identify it:
| Coin Type | Obverse (Front) Design | Reverse (Back) Design |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (1849-1866) | Flying eagle | Wreath with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY D" |
| Type 2 (1866-1907) | Eagle with outstretched wings | Similar to Type 1, but with the addition of the coin's motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" |
More Details
A double eagle is a gold coin of the United States with a denomination of $20. [1] (Its gold content of 0.9675 troy ounces [30.09 g] was worth $20 at the 1849 ...
Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 1907 $20 gold piece, the Double Eagle has been called the most beautiful coin ever minted in the U.S. and perhaps the world.
The $20 Double Eagle, also known as St. Gaudens Double Eagle or simply called Double Eagle, is a gold coin which was issued from 1907 to 1933 in the USA.
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01.12.2016 ... The Double Eagle coin is an American Gold coin that was minted between 1849 and 1933. The coin got its name as the original Gold Eagle (minted ...
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In January 2009, the United States Mint issued the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin. This coin fulfilled Augustus Saint-Gaudens' vision of an ultra ...
The American Double Eagle has a face value of $20 and was minted 1849-1933. It is 0.9675 troy-ounce of fine gold. The coin will be from a random year of our ...
Adorned with symbols of freedom and independence, the divine Lady Liberty and an impressive eagle in mid-flight, the $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is an ...
19.10.2024 ... Watch as a rare Double Eagle coin sells for significantly more than its estimated value.
Der St. Gaudens Double Eagle ist eine US-amerikanische Goldmünze, die zwischen 1907 und 1933 geprägt wurde. Benannt ist die Münze mit einem Nennwert von 20 ...
The Double Eagle was the largest of five circulated American gold coins, produced between 1849 and 1933. The coins are .900 purity, weighing 33.43 grams.
The double eagle is the most sought rare date coin on the United States gold coin market. Why do coin enthusiasts want to collect them? They are valuable for ...
28.09.2018 ... The double eagles were issued between 1849 and 1933 by the US Mint. American gold double eagle coins have a face value of $20.
