The Historical Significance of the Saint Gaudens Double Eagles

Posted: Dec 03, 2010 |Comments: 0 |

No other coins produced through the U.S. Mint produce the same quantity of notoriety than the Saint Gaudens Double Eagles. Although these beautiful coins are much admired as artistic endeavors, these were actually a tool conceived by former American President Theodore Roosevelt to alter the international status for this country.

At the turn of the twentieth century, President Roosevelt was bent on making America recognized not for a previous colony but as a world power in itself. That was when America started to become obsessed with the ideals of beauty and embellishment, all the way from its buildings to their systems of thinking. It was vital to this strong-minded President that America would no more be viewed as a nation of country bumpkins but as a nation of educated, artistic people. A complete make-over on the look of the coins was a way that he knew would change the manner the Europeans thought about the American culture. He wasn't satisfied with the coinage at that time, which was considered dull and inferior when compared to the older currencies. Roosevelt risked his political career to get these coins redesigned, to the point of finding a means to undertake it without any approval of Congress.

At that time, the single one that Roosevelt felt was up for the job was Augustus Saint Gaudens, a renowned sculptor who unhappily was already in the midst of an argument against the U.S. Mint's Engraver, Charles Barber. Public arguments had no sway with the President, however, so by 1905, the double eagles to be used for the newest gold coins were being designed by Saint Gaudens. Unlike other coins, this becomes the only designed by an artist unemployed by the U.S. Mint. The proofs submitted by Saint Gaudens were continuously rejected by Mr. Barbers, with the result being the coins were not minted until after Saint Gaudens died in 1907. It must be noted though, that Barbers' rejections weren't from spite. The initial coins were designed in such high relief they took several blows to mint, nine with the 1st coin and three on second design. It was unfortunate at that time that modern coins were designed to get minted in one blow - a necessity considering the energy and time needed to produce large quantities of coin. The result of these coins circulating to this day is the result of Barbers' redesign of Saint Gaudens' final masterpiece.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/the-historical-significance-of-the-saint-gaudens-double-eagles-3781485.html

    Article Tags:

    saint gaudens double eagles

    ,

    1907 double eagle

    ,

    coins

    ,

    gold coins

    ,

    augustus saint gaudens

    Why Gold American Eagle Coins are Popular among Collectors Gold coins are a favorite of coin collectors with an eye toward investment. Not only are golden coins lovely to behold, but they also have a value that is guaranteed, due to their precious metal content. The value of gold coins is usually higher than the value of their weight in gold bullion, making them a better investment than the gold market alone.

    By: manoj kumarl Educationl Mar 05, 2008 lViews: 153

    The American Eagle dominated the gold bullion coin market when it was introduced. As estimated by a Mint officer, 60% of the global gold coin market is dominated by 24 carat gold coins, with 22 carat bullion coins making up the balance. As the world gold coin market being skewered towards 24 carat coins, and as the U.S had nothing to sell to this market, Congress approved the mintage of the 24 carat American Buffalo bullion coins.

    By: Paul Meiffingerl Finance> Wealth Buildingl Jan 29, 2010 lViews: 353

    Attracted to collecting coins? One of the most worthy metals today is gold. It means wealth and power. The toy has been the muse around the world economy since time immemorial. The Romans and the Greeks are known to have pioneered the minting of gold coins. When the New World was explored, special minting of gold and silver were founded and stimulated by the Spanish voyagers.

    By: Daryl B. Chapmanl Financel Oct 24, 2011

    Because of the price of gold and silver today, there are so many efforts to locate, research and possibly buy rare and antique coins. In the past century people have actually developed a real fascination and interest in acquiring gold coins. There are many interested in collecting these precious finds. Others find them as a profitable means of investment.

    By: Daryl B. Chapmanl Finance> Investingl Jan 07, 2012

    In 1907 this coin featured the yr created in Roman Numerals, but in later decades it was changed to Arabic numerals. The motto "In God We Trust" was on the original layout but was later omitted from other styles. In January of 2009 the U.S. mint released the ultra higher relief double eagles applying the very same Saint Gaudens layout. It is produced from a person ounce of.9999 very good gold. At 1 position in time there was a cap on the number of these coins in which you could by but...

    By: Lazaro Shortl Businessl Jun 17, 2011

    Are you contemplating about flying in an air craft and are worried about what the experience might be? The experience can be an enthralling one. You need not be apprehensive because the technology of air journeys has greatly been improved. These days there are a number of modes through which you can travel through air against the rule of the gravity.

    By: Christinel Hobbies> Collectingl May 25, 2012

    Australian high relief silver proof strikes are rapidly becoming a popular collecting genre.

    By: Perth Mintl Hobbies> Collectingl May 24, 2012
    Javed Khan

    An remote control helicopter can be used indoors or outdoors and is a great activity for the family to enjoy together. It can be used in your backyard, carried along for a picnic or at your local Remote Control Club

    By: Javed Khanl Hobbies> Collectingl May 24, 2012
    Javed Khan

    Anyone with a love of remote control apparatus combined with a love of flying can pick up an RC helicopter and enjoy it.

    By: Javed Khanl Hobbies> Collectingl May 24, 2012
    Javed Khan

    Flying an RC helicopter is a great hobby to indulge in. Not only is it a great outdoor activity to indulge in by yourself or with your child, it will also get you learning about aerodynamics. Gone are the days when this was only available to the select few. There is an remote control helicopter to fit almost every budget and need.

    By: Javed Khanl Hobbies> Collectingl May 24, 2012

    If there is one thing which is as important as a home nowadays, it would be a car. Cars are not really luxuries rather necessities.

    By: DeborahSmithl Automotive> Carsl Apr 23, 2012

    If there is one thing in this world that couples would wish to never go through, that will be divorce.

    By: DeborahSmithl Lawl Apr 23, 2012

    In the auto industry, it cannot be denied that among the preferred brands of cars in the whole world is Ford. It does not only gained popularity due to its foundation, yet its top quality materials keep the company recognized up to the current time.

    By: DeborahSmithl Automotive> Carsl Apr 23, 2012

    Cars are truly important part of any person's life. With this fast paced and troublesome world, you'll find a number of people who'll get less stressed whenever they're in their cars.

    By: DeborahSmithl Automotive> Carsl Apr 23, 2012

    Shopping is one of the most famous hobbies or activities anyone can do. Purchasing anything like appliances, shoes and clothes can never be completed without those plastic shopping bags.

    By: DeborahSmithl Shoppingl Apr 23, 2012

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast