Introduction The Double Eagle is Born Type I 1850-1866 Type II 1866-1876 Type III 1877-1907 Saint-Gaudens 1907-1933 Double Eagles as Collectibles The $20 S Mints Recommendations

Recommendations Although there are countless "buys" in the field of United States double eagles, numismatists should focus on certain areas to maximize their financial return and collecting enjoyment. From a performance standpoint, quality and rarity are the most important factors. Thus, the following two areas are recommended in particular: ~ High-Grade Generics: Common coins in low grades are always available on the market-the number of buyers will never exceed the vast supply sitting in dealers' inventories. To this day, hundreds of these coins are flowing into the American coin market on a weekly basis. However, these coins become very scarce in high levels of preservation. Examples include Type One Liberties in MS 64 or above, Type Twos in MS 63 or better, Type Three in MS 65 or above, No Motto Saints in MS 65 or better, and With Motto Saints in MS 66 or higher. ~ Key Dates: Key dates are classified as the rarest dates of a given series, but not so rare that they cannot be afforded by most collectors. The 1881 double eagle would be considered a key date, as an example, but the substantially rarer 1886 would not be. These coins are in constant demand among collectors who need to complete their sets. While lesser dates can be bought with ease, collectors battle for key dates at auctions and grab them instantly at shows. Indeed, key dates in reasonable grades are intensely popular and are highly recommended. In excessively high grades, however, they become somewhat impractical. An 1864 in 58, for example, is the highest grade the typical collector can swallow. In 60, it becomes too pricey and therefore in lesser demand. Furthermore, there is ample room for the 58 to increase in value, since MS 60s are worth many times more. However, the value of an MS 60 is limited by the price of an MS 61; until the latter increases, the MS 60 price level cannot move. Similarly, a 1907 High Relief in MS 63 trades for $11,000-$12,000. In MS 64, it costs only a few thousand more. However, it jumps to $27,000-$30,000 in MS 65. The best value for collectors and investors like is the MS 64. ~ "Ultra-Rarities": The double eagle series has many extreme rarities than have performed surprisingly well over an extended period of time. Ultra-rare dates such as the 1854-O, 1856-O, 1870-CC, 1882, 1886, 1907 Ultra High Relief and 1927-D have been the best performers of double eagles in the last twenty to thirty years. Only twenty years ago, a Gem Proof 1907 UHR sold at auction for $175,000. Today, that same coin is easily worth $1,000,000 or more. For those who have the substantial capital required to buy these breathtaking coins, these represent the absolute finest investments as well as the most thrilling collectibles. The excitement of viewing, let alone owning these coins is unparalleled. Conclusion As the collectible and an investment, the double eagle combines the "best of both worlds." For collectors, it cannot be superseded in historic significance, beauty, and intrigue. For investors, double eagles have realized astonishing results, even compared to the recently dynamic stock market. Furthermore, they are convenient, easily managed, totally liquid, and a superb hedge against uncertain times. All of these extraordinary qualities are packaged into the United States twenty dollar gold piece, the powerful double eagle.