Why Is It Called a Double Eagle? The Fascinating Story Behind the Name

Unveiling the Mystery: Why is it Called a Double Eagle?

The term "double eagle" is a curious one, often used in numismatics, heraldry, and even in the world of sports. But why does this phrase exist, and where does it come from? Let's delve into the history and symbolism behind this intriguing term.

Numismatic Origins: The Coin

In the realm of coins, the double eagle is a well-known term. It refers to a gold coin worth twenty dollars, first minted in the United States in 1795. The coin's name is derived from its value, which is double that of the standard eagle coin, worth ten dollars. This naming convention follows the long-standing tradition of using birds to represent high-value coins, with the eagle being a symbol of strength and power.

But why the term "double" and not simply "quadruple" or "quad"? The answer lies in the historical context. In the 18th century, when the U.S. Mint was established, the Spanish dollar was a widely circulated coin. It was known as a "piece of eight" because it was worth eight reales, or "reales" for short. When the U.S. Mint created the eagle coin, they essentially replaced the Spanish dollar, making the eagle coin equivalent to the piece of eight. Therefore, the double eagle was a natural progression, representing twice the value of the original Spanish dollar.

Heraldic Symbolism: The Bird

In heraldry, the double eagle is a mythical creature that combines the bodies of two eagles, one above the other. This symbol is often associated with the Byzantine Empire and later adopted by the Holy Roman Empire. The double eagle in this context represents the union of two powers or the dual authority of a ruler.

In the context of the U.S. coin, the heraldic symbolism is less direct. However, the use of the eagle as a national symbol in the U.S. is deeply rooted in heraldry. The Great Seal of the United States, adopted in 1782, features an eagle holding a scroll with the words "E PLURIBUS UNUM," which can be interpreted as a reference to the union of the states. The double eagle coin, therefore, can be seen as a physical representation of this union.

The Double Eagle in Sports

The term "double eagle" also appears in sports, particularly in golf. A "double eagle" in golf is a score of three under par on a single hole. This is an extremely rare feat, making it one of the most coveted shots in golf. The term's origin is unclear, but it likely comes from the numismatic usage, with the "double" referring to the exceptional nature of the score and the "eagle" referring to the standard score of two under par for a hole.

Notable Double Eagles in Golf

• Al Geiberger was the first to make a double eagle in a PGA Tour event, at the 1977 Danny Thomas-Dodgertown Golf Classic.
• Paul Harney achieved the feat twice in his career, at the 1963 U.S. Open and the 1973 Greater New Orleans Open.
• In 2012, Jarrod Lyle became the first player to make a double eagle in the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs, at the BMW Championship.

The Double Eagle in Popular Culture

The double eagle has also made its way into popular culture. It's been featured in movies like "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "Die Hard," as well as in video games and literature. In these contexts, the double eagle often serves as a symbol of wealth, power, or a valuable prize.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Symbol

The double eagle is a term with a rich history and diverse applications. From coins to heraldry to sports, the double eagle serves as a symbol of exceptional value, power, and rarity. Its origins may lie in the numismatic world, but its meaning has evolved and expanded over time, reflecting the many contexts in which it is used.