The St. Gaudens $20 Gold Coin, though no longer on the production lines of the US Mint, is still a popular coin today. Collectors all over the world strive to get their hands on this beautiful piece of American coinage history, but with fewer and fewer of these coins around every year, acquiring one is not such an easy task. Beyond that, acquiring one in excellent condition is something that is far easier said than it is done.
Only Philadelphia struck St. Gaudens $20 Gold Coin in 1912, though only the proof issue is considered rare. The Saint-Gaudens double eagle design, which was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt, is widely considered the most beautiful United States coin ever produced. In fact, this cherished gold coin often serves as a cornerstone coin in many collections.
For coin that are as old as the 1912 St. Gaudens $20 Gold Coin, the condition that the coin is in is never guaranteed. You see, because these pieces were often circulated for decades at a time, some may be in incredibly poor condition, while others may be well-preserved. It is the goal of every collector to determine whether a coin is worth adding to a collection or not, and they will do this by assessing the condition.
Normally, a coin-grading company is the best way by which you can certify the condition of a coin. Understanding that not everyone has the time and money to send a coin away for grading, we have provided below an outline of the popular coin grades as well as their characteristics.
Uncirculated: A coin graded as being Uncirculated is one that spent no time at all on the open exchange market. Instead, these coins were immediately placed into safekeeping shortly after being minted; this is why the coin appears as though it is in perfect shape. Though generally attractive, these coins are almost always some of the most expensive.
Extremely Fine: A coin graded as being Extremely Fine is one that spent only a short period of time being exchanged. These coins will appear to be pristine, but under close inspection you will be able to make out minor signs of wear. In general, these pieces are still considered to be great additions to any collection.
Fine: If a coin is graded as being Fine, you can bet that it was circulated for a good amount of time. The things about these Gold Coins, however, is that even despite their somewhat elongated time in circulation, they are still ok shape and have managed to mostly avoid the common signs of wear associated with heavily circulated coins.
Good: Good is the worst grade a coin can receive and is usually used for coins that have been very heavily circulated and damaged. The surfaces of these pieces will be smooth to the touch and the imagery and inscriptions may be worn away to a good extent.
Determining a price for the St. Gaudens $20 Gold Coin is no major feat. Collectors care so much about the condition of the coin that this plays into the asking price. Below is a chart aimed at giving you a better idea of what to expect to pay for an 1912 St. Gaudens $20 Gold Coin given its condition and type.
St. Gaudens $20 Gold Coin
DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
---|---|---|---|---|
1912 St. Gaudens $20 Gold Coin | N/A | N/A | $1,475 | $1,485 | Source: Red Book |