Saint-Gaudens $20 gold double eagle (1907–1933) melt value
The Saint-Gaudens double eagle is a US $20 gold coin made from 1907 to 1933. It is 90% gold and holds nearly one troy ounce of pure gold. Like other pre-1933 US gold, it often sells above its melt value, and scarce dates or coins in top condition can be worth far more, so check with a coin dealer before selling one for its gold. Here's what the gold inside is worth at today's live price.
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How do I know if my saint-gaudens $20 gold double eagle is gold?
The front shows Liberty striding forward holding a torch and an olive branch, with the sun rising behind her and the Capitol building in the distance. The back shows an eagle flying above a rising sun. It measures about 34 mm across and weighs about 33.4 grams. Coins dated 1907 and some dated 1908 have no "IN GOD WE TRUST" on the back. Many have a small D (Denver) or S (San Francisco) mint mark; Philadelphia coins have none. No double eagles are dated 1917 to 1919. The 1907 high relief version, with Roman numerals for the date, is worth much more than melt. 1933 coins were never officially released, and only one is legal for a private person to own, so treat any 1933 coin with care. The earlier Liberty Head double eagle (1850–1907) shows a different design.
Why does a dealer pay less than melt value?
Dealers need room to cover refining, shipping and resale costs, so most pay a percentage of melt value for common-date coins.
Is it legal to melt coins?
US rules prohibit melting one-cent and five-cent coins. That rule does not cover dimes, quarters, half dollars, dollars or bullion coins. Most people sell coins whole to a dealer rather than melting them.