1915-S Saint Gaudens - 1915-S $20 St. Gaudens Double Eagle PCGS MS65. This Western branch mint Gem 1915-S Saint Gaudens Double Eagle has the typical satiny luster seen on San Francisco Mint gold coins. A few scattered, light abrasion marks keep this coin from a Superb Gem grade. The strike is above average with full details seen on Libertys bosom, the eagles feathers, and the tops of the wings.

Low relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle coins were issued in 1907 after the high relief coins were deemed impractical. They continued until 1933, when all gold production stopped. The low relief coins had Arabic numerals for the date instead of the Roman numerals seen on the previous two issues. In 1908, despite President Roosevelts preferences to the contrary, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added to the reverse. In 1912 two stars were added to the obverse of the coin to correspond with the new states added to the Union.

The High Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagles have long been considered Americas most beautiful coin; however, even the low relief coins that Charles Barber modified have had lasting beauty and appeal. The modern Gold American Eagle bullion program uses a modification of the Saint-Gaudens double eagle low relief design, and it is exceedingly popular with investors as a replacement for the Union of South Africa Krugerrand.

The 1915-S double eagle is popular as a type coin since it is readily available in Uncirculated grades. The present Gem coin is such an example.