The melt value of a gold coin is determined by its weight in gold and the current spot price of gold.
Based on the August 14, 2025, gold spot price, here’s a breakdown of the melt value for different types of $20 gold coins:
- Liberty Head $20 (1849-1907): These coins are 90% gold and have an Approximate Gold Weight (AGW) of 0.9675 troy ounces. Their melt value is approximately $3,230.89.
- Saint-Gaudens $20 (1907-1933): These coins also contain 90% gold and have an AGW of 0.9675 troy ounces. Their melt value is approximately $3,230.89.
It’s important to note:
- Spot Price Fluctuations: The gold spot price can change hourly, daily, or even by the minute. Therefore, the melt value of these coins will fluctuate accordingly.
- Numismatic Value: The melt value represents the inherent value of the gold contained in the coin. However, many $20 gold coins also have significant numismatic value (collectible value) based on their rarity, condition, and other factors. This numismatic value can be substantially higher than the melt value.
- Dealer Pricing: While some online resources provide general estimations of melt value based on current spot prices, a potential buyer may offer a lower price than the calculated melt value to account for their profit margin, processing costs, and the need to transport the coins for melting.
