Double Eagle

The double eagle is the $20 denomination of United States gold coinage, the largest gold coin struck for regular circulation by the US Mint. The name follows from the $10 coin being called an eagle, so twice that denomination is a double eagle.

Two main types exist. The Liberty Head double eagle came first, with a portrait of Liberty on the obverse and a heraldic eagle on the reverse. The Saint-Gaudens double eagle followed, designed by the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, showing a standing Liberty striding forward and a flying eagle on the reverse. The Saint-Gaudens design is widely regarded as among the most accomplished American coin designs.

Both types are 90 percent fine gold, alloyed with copper, and each coin contains .9675 troy oz of gold. That figure is the same regardless of type, date, or mint, which is why double eagles trade readily on their metal content alone.

Beyond the metal, double eagles carry collector demand that varies by date, mint mark, and condition. Two coins with identical gold content can sit in very different parts of the market, so identification matters before you buy or sell.

Texas Bullion Exchange offers a free appraisal if you have double eagles to evaluate.