GOLD COIN FIELD GUIDE
Saint-Gaudens $20
The historical Saint-Gaudens $20 inspired the modern Gold Eagle, but its weight and purity are different. No issues are dated 1917–1919; 1933 coins were not regularly issued to the public.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1907–1916; 1920–1933
- Composition
- 90% gold
- Standard gross weight
- 33.436 g
- Fine gold per coin
- 0.9675 troy oz
- Face value
- $20.00
A familiar Liberty can belong to a different era
The modern Gold Eagle draws on the Saint-Gaudens Liberty design, but the modern and historical coins have different specifications. Check the denomination, date, and reverse before selecting this profile.
For 1907, distinguish the regular low-relief issue from High Relief and Ultra High Relief versions. Similar artwork does not make those issues interchangeable for valuation.
Where to look. Confirm TWENTY DOLLARS, then distinguish the special 1907 MCMVII High Relief from ordinary low-relief issues. Do not use the modern one-ounce specification.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Issue distinction. A difference in issue, finish, or format that must be identified before comparison.
Key date. An important scarce issue in this series; grade and authenticity still matter.
- Issue distinction
1907 MCMVII High Relief
A desirable special design type, distinct from ordinary 1907 low relief. It is not the same as the exceptionally rare Ultra High Relief.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Key date
1921
A rare Philadelphia issue requiring careful authentication and condition assessment.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.9675 fine troy ounces of gold per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce gold quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
- PCGS Saint-Gaudens series ↗
- 1907 MCMVII High Relief — reference ↗
- 1921 — reference ↗
- NGC gold melt-value reference ↗
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.