1925 $20 Saint Gaudens NGC MS64. Bright mint luster shimmers on both sides of this 1925 St. Gaudens Double Eagle. Liberty looks as if she is walking in partial sunshine, and the eagle seems to be flying above the rising sun. Light abrasion on both sides of the coin keeps it from a higher mint state grade. The strike is strong on both sides with all of the details sharp and clear.

 

Saint-Gaudens deliberately left off the motto IN GOD WE TRUST at the request of President Roosevelt, a religious man who felt that it was blasphemous to have God’s name inscribed on a coin. He did not wish the name of Lord on coins to be dropped and stepped on or passed around brothels, saloons, gambling halls or used for other immoral purposes. However, in 1908 Congress, reflecting the view of the general public, felt that the motto should be added in compliance with the old coinage act of 1865. At this time it was generally felt that those who were opposed to the motto were probably either atheists or Bolsheviks.

 

Charles Barber changed the double eagle adding the motto. He also made other minor changes in the design such as changing the number of tail feathers from eight to nine and reducing the number of rays to thirty-three.