The value of a 1908 $20 gold coin, a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, depends heavily on its condition, also known as its grade, and whether it has the “With Motto” or “No Motto” inscription.
- “No Motto” Coins:
– According to the NGC Price Guide as of August 2025, a Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin from 1908 without the motto, in circulated condition, is worth between $3450 and $3575.
– In pristine, uncirculated condition, these coins can sell for as much as $135,000.
– An example graded MS62 by NGC (No Motto) was recently offered for $3,536.85.
– Another MS67 No Motto example sold as part of the Wells Fargo Hoard was offered on eBay for $8195.
- “With Motto” Coins:
– Based on the NGC Price Guide as of August 2025, a Saint-Gaudens Gold Coin from 1908 with the motto, in circulated condition, is worth between $3400 and $3550.
– Uncirculated examples in pristine condition can also command prices up to $135,000.
– Proof coins with the motto, particularly those with a sand blast finish, are very rare and only an estimated 60-80 specimens are thought to exist.
– A rare example of a proof 1908 Saint Gaudens $20 with motto graded PR67 (tied for highest graded) was offered for $495,000.
– An MS66 (With Motto) example is available at Rare Coin Wholesalers for $225,000.
Important factors influencing value:
- Grade: The condition of the coin, rated on a scale from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Mint State or flawless) using the Sheldon Scale, significantly impacts value. Higher grades mean higher value.
- Mint Mark: 1908 Saint-Gaudens double eagles were minted in Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). The mint mark can influence rarity and value. For example, the 1908-S is considered a relatively rare issue.
- Melt Value: The gold content of the coin is worth $20 at the former official gold price of $20.67/oz. The melt value of the coin is $3289.16 as of August 10, 2025, according to NGC.
- Rarity and Demand: Coins minted in smaller quantities or that are considered rare due to historical circumstances (like the 1908 “No Motto” due to the addition of the motto later that year) are generally more valuable.
- Errors: Minting errors can also increase a coin’s value, making it more desirable to collectors.
In summary, the value of a 1908 $20 gold coin can range from a few thousand dollars for circulated examples, up to hundreds of thousands of dollars or more for uncirculated, high-grade examples, especially those with the “No Motto” variant or rare proofs.
How much does a 1908 $20 gold piece weigh?
I can help with that. Overview of the1908 $20 Saint Gaudens No Motto NGC MS64:
Diameter: 34 mm. Weight in oz: 0.9675oz. Weight: 33.4400g.
What is the motto of the 1908 20 dollar gold coin?
1908 Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold, No Motto
Mint. From its introduction in 1907 through most of 1908, this stunning gold piece did not carry the motto in god we trust (when added in late 1908, the motto remained on the coin throughout the series).