The value of a 1908 twenty-dollar gold coin (also known as a Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle) can vary significantly depending on several factors, primarily its condition (grade), whether it has a mintmark (and which one), and whether it includes the motto “In God We Trust”.
- Condition (Grade): Coins are graded on a scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect uncirculated). Higher grades generally translate to higher values.
- Mintmark: Coins minted at the Philadelphia mint have no mintmark, while those from Denver bear a “D” and San Francisco coins have an “S”. Some mintmarks are rarer and more valuable than others.
- “No Motto” vs. “With Motto”: Early 1908 $20 gold coins were struck without the motto “In God We Trust” and are referred to as “No Motto” coins. Later in 1908, the motto was added to the reverse due to congressional intervention, and these are known as “With Motto” coins. The “No Motto” varieties can be more valuable in certain grades.
Here are some example price ranges for 1908 Saint-Gaudens double eagles based on their condition and variety, according to the NGC Price Guide as of August 2025:
- 1908 No Motto:
– Circulated condition: Between $3,375 and $3,525.
– Uncirculated condition (MS grades): Can range from around $4,000 for lower Mint State grades to potentially $135,000 for pristine examples (like a certified MS 69). An MS-66 grade (Wells Fargo Hoard) was offered for $4,541.24 in August 2025. Another MS67 from the Wells Fargo Hoard was listed for $8,195.
- 1908 With Motto (Philadelphia Mint – no mintmark):
– Circulated condition: Between $3,400 and $3,525.
– Uncirculated condition (MS grades): Can range from around $4,000 for lower Mint State grades to upwards of $216,000 for higher grades.
- 1908-D With Motto (Denver Mint):
– Uncirculated condition (MS grades): Can range from around $4,000 for lower Mint State grades to upwards of $186,000 for higher grades.
- 1908-S With Motto (San Francisco Mint):
– Circulated condition: Between $3,400 and $12,000.
– Uncirculated condition (MS grades): Can range from around $4,400 for lower Mint State grades to upwards of $372,000 for higher grades. An MS 66 example sold for $74,750 in 2011. Another MS66 was offered for $225,000 in August 2025.
Proof versions of the 1908 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle also exist, in both Roman (Satin) and Matte finishes, and are significantly rarer and more valuable.
- 1908 Roman (Satin) Finish Proof : Values range from $360,000 to $648,000.
- 1908 Matte Finish Proof : Values range from $31,000 to $552,000 . A PR67 example was offered for $495,000 in August 2025.
Note: These are approximate values and actual prices may vary depending on the specific condition, market demand, and the individual coin’s characteristics. For the most accurate valuation, it is recommended to consult with a reputable coin dealer or consider having the coin professionally graded.
Where is the mint mark on a $20 dollar gold coin?
From my experience, The 20 Liberty Head dollars were then produced in five different mints: Philadelphia, Carson City (CC), Denver (D), New Orleans (O) and San Francisco (S). The mint mark is visible on the reverse under the eagle. Only the coins minted in Philadelphia do not bear a letter.
How much does a 1908 $20 gold piece weigh?
Overview of the1908 $20 Saint Gaudens No Motto NGC MS64:
Diameter: 34 mm. Weight in oz: 0.9675oz. Weight: 33.4400g.
Is a $20 gold coin real?
The Saint-Gaudens double eagle is a twenty-dollar gold coin, or double eagle, produced by the United States Mint from 1907 to 1933. The coin is named after its designer, the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who designed the obverse and reverse. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful of U.S. coins.