$20 ST. GAUDENS

Named after its designer, the American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the $20 Saint Gaudens gold coin is considered to be one of the most beautiful and widely recognized coins in the world. Often referred to as ‘$20 Saint’ or ‘$20 St. Gaudens’, this coin was introduced in 1907 after the United States Mint ceased minting the $20 Liberty.

The obverse (front) of the coin features Liberty holding a staff and olive branch as she walks from the sun with the word ‘LIBERTY’ arcing above her. The stars that curve around the rim represent the number of states in the union (46 from 1907 to 1911 and 48 from 1912 to 1933).

The reverse (back) depicts a bald eagle gliding across the sun. The words ‘UNITED STATES OF AMERICA’ and ‘TWENTY DOLLARS’ span across the top of the coin. The motto ‘IN GOD WE TRUST’ lies underneath the eagle, although it was initially omitted from coins minted in 1907 and the first half of 1908. The $20 Saint Gaudens was minted at three different mints throughout its production: Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.