The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle happens to be one of the rarest U.S. gold coins of the 20th century. In January 2025, a specimen graded PCGS MS65+ CAC sold for $3.84 million and proved its exceptional value to the collectors.
This 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle has ranked among America’s most-desired and most-expensive coins through the ages. At recent auction, this famous gold coin realized nearly $2 million, leaving countless collectors and enthusiasts spellbound.
Rarity and wealth describe, in a nutshell, the 1927-D Double Eagle in the world of coin collecting because of its low mintage and historical significance. But exactly what makes this coin so valuable, and why is it heralded as the crowning glory for collectors? So, let us begin digging the history behind this glorious piece of American history.
Understanding the 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
The opulent gold piece bearing the name Saint-Gaudens, actually designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was minted from 1907 to 1933. The 1927-D variant, struck at the Denver Mint, is quite rare, with estimates claiming that just about 14 to 15 pieces survive.
Key Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | 1927 |
| Denomination | $20 (Double Eagle) |
| Mintmark | D (Denver Mint) |
| Mintage | 180,000 coins |
| Composition | 90% gold, 10% copper |
| Weight | 33.436 grams |
| Diameter | 34 mm |
| Edge | Lettered: “E PLURIBUS UNUM” |
| Designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
Rarity is attributable to various factors:
Despite its total minting being 180,000, this coin remains most rare even today. Such rarity is affected mainly by the gold recall of 1933, whereby most gold coins, including the 1927-D, were melted, and perhaps only a few of these coins survived private ownership and institutional collections.
Market Operation with Significant Selling The 1927-D Double Eagle always found ways to price itself high in auctions, indicating how desirable it has become among collectors.
Noteworthy Sales:
| Date | Grade | Price Realized | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2025 | MS65+ CAC | $3,840,000 | GreatCollections |
| January 2020 | MS65+ | $2,160,000 | Heritage Auctions |
| January 2006 | MS66 | $1,900,000+ | North American Certified Trading |
| August 2005 | MS67 | $1,897,500 | Heritage Auctions |
Such sales show that this coin has a very strong investment potential and continuing popularity.
Institutional holdings
Holding specimens of the 1927-D Double Eagle are institutions:
- Smithsonian Institution: Holds three examples that teach the public about numismatics.
- Museum of Connecticut History: Holds one specimen of this type, which adds to regional historical collections.
- The 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle stands as one of the numismatic crowning achievements, appreciated by collectors and investors for its long and interesting history and continuing great attraction.
Conclusion:
A 1927-D Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle is a cherished artifact in American history and craftsmanship that stands among the most prized coins in the world today. Little mintage and its historical background probably contributed to the overwhelming auction price of $2 million.
Such a coin is as much a matter of preserving a rich and soulful legacy that continues to speak to itself in the numismatic community as it is about monetary value to collectors and investors. Though rare coins are in great demand today, the 1927-D Double Eagle continues to be an evergreen standard for value and prestige.
FAQS:
What causes the price of a 1927-D Saint-Gaudens double eagle to skyrocket?
Because of the scarcity created from the gold recall in 1933 and the high demand for it among collectors, this coin is immensely valuable.
How many 1927-D double eagles are known to exist?
It is estimated that there are only 14 to 15 examples remaining today.
What influences the value of a 1927-D double eagle?
Condition (grade), provenance, and the market demand for the particular variant greatly affect the valuation of the coin.
Do any public collections have a 1927-D double eagle?
Yes, various specimens are housed in institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Museum of Connecticut History.