-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 9414
The 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens Gold Coin is one of the most iconic and revered coins in American numismatics. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this coin represents the pinnacle of American coinage artistry and craftsmanship. The St. Gaudens Double Eagle, as it is commonly known, was first minted in 1907 and remained in circulation until 1933. The 1911-S is particularly significant due to its rarity and the quality of the strike, making it highly sought after by both collectors and investors. The coin's design, with its elegant depiction of Lady Liberty, continues to be regarded as one of the most beautiful coin designs ever created by the U.S. Mint. The 1911-S issue is one of the more collectible dates in the series, and its status as one of the key coins in the St. Gaudens Double Eagle collection makes it a prized piece among numismatists.
The design of the 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens Double Eagle is a masterpiece of American coin design. On the obverse, the coin features a full-length depiction of Lady Liberty, walking confidently forward while holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The image is dynamic and powerful, symbolizing freedom and the spirit of the nation. Lady Liberty is flanked by rays of sunlight, further emphasizing her role as a beacon of hope and prosperity. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed above, while the date of mintage, “1911,” appears at the bottom of the design. The reverse of the coin showcases a majestic bald eagle in flight, soaring above a rising sun. The eagle is surrounded by the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with the coin's denomination, “TWENTY DOLLARS,” appearing prominently at the bottom. The overall design, which blends classical Greek and Roman influences with American symbolism, is a striking and powerful representation of national pride.
The 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens coin was minted at the San Francisco Mint, denoted by the "S" mintmark. San Francisco was one of the most important mints in the U.S. during this period, producing vast quantities of gold coins, particularly those in the Double Eagle series. The 1911-S issue, however, has a relatively low mintage compared to other years of the series, with only 1,210,000 coins produced. This limited mintage makes the 1911-S one of the more challenging dates to acquire for collectors, especially in higher grades. While not as rare as some other St. Gaudens coins, such as the 1908 High Relief or the 1927-D, the 1911-S is still considered a key date within the series, and its relative rarity in high-grade examples contributes to its desirability. The San Francisco Mint struck coins with particular care, ensuring that many of these coins were produced with a high level of craftsmanship.
The 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens coin is well known for its striking beauty and its historical importance. While the coin was originally intended for use in circulation, it quickly became a favorite among collectors due to its artistic design and the high quality of its minting. The U.S. Mint at the time was producing a significant number of gold coins for circulation, particularly to meet the demands of trade and commerce. As such, many of these coins saw heavy circulation and wear, which affected their condition. The higher-grade examples of the 1911-S, particularly those in MS63, are highly valued by collectors due to their scarcity and superior quality. An MS63 grade indicates a coin that is well-preserved with some light wear but retains much of its original beauty and luster. A coin in this grade is a desirable addition to any collection, offering an excellent balance of quality and affordability within the broader market of St. Gaudens coins.
The coin’s condition plays a crucial role in determining its value, and the 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens MS63 is considered an exceptional example within the series. Coins graded as MS63 are classified as Mint State, meaning they have not been in circulation and retain their original mint finish. These coins exhibit sharp details, with very few signs of wear or surface abrasions. The strike on MS63 examples of the 1911-S is typically strong, with well-defined features on both the obverse and reverse. The coin’s surfaces, while still exhibiting some minor imperfections, are free from major scratches, discoloration, or other visible flaws. In addition to the impressive design and high quality of the strike, the coin's condition is a critical factor in its desirability and value. A coin in MS63 condition is considered above average for this issue and is one of the most desirable grades for collectors looking to acquire a piece that displays both historical significance and artistic beauty.
The 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens in MS63 condition is a rare and valuable find. As with many coins from the early 20th century, the survival rate of higher-grade examples is low due to the wear they endured in circulation. The combination of a relatively low mintage and a high demand among collectors means that coins in this grade are highly sought after. The coin’s condition, coupled with its historical importance, makes it a highly prized piece for investors and numismatists alike. The St. Gaudens Double Eagle series remains one of the most popular and widely collected coin series in the world, and the 1911-S, with its rich history and stunning design, is one of the standout pieces in this collection.
The 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens coin remains a cornerstone of American coinage. The combination of its artistic design, historical importance, and condition makes it an outstanding piece for collectors and investors alike. With its relatively low mintage, beautiful design, and rarity in high-grade examples, the 1911-S is a must-have for serious numismatists. It embodies the strength and symbolism of the United States during the early 20th century, making it not only a valuable financial asset but also a lasting piece of American history. Whether displayed in a collection or held as an investment, the 1911-S $20 St. Gaudens MS63 is a timeless coin that will continue to captivate collectors for generations to come.