1908-P $20 Saint-Gaudens No Motto NGC/PCGS MS63

The Strange Story of the Godless Saints

When the “new” $20 Gold Liberty coin was introduced in 1907, the American public answered with a sigh of appreciation. American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens had clearly outdone himself. Even President Theodore Roosevelt declared that the new coin’s design was the most beautiful to ever appear on a United States coin. And even after 110 years, many collectors still agree!

The Scandalous “No Motto” Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle

But there was also something else that was very different about those first $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles. At Roosevelt’s request, they were missing the words “In God We Trust.” Roosevelt felt that putting God’s name on money was disrespectful, but he was soon overruled by Congress (and by extension, the American public). So, in 1908, the motto was reinstated — but not before a significant number of coins had already left the mint!

The gorgeous piece offered here is a 1908-P $20 Saint-Gaudens that was struck at the Philadelphia Mint without the famous motto on its surface. What’s more, this coin comes in wonderful condition, graded by either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) in Choice Uncirculated Mint State-63 (MS63) condition. Grading service varies.

COIN HIGHLIGHTS:

• A WORK OF ART – The depiction of Lady Liberty designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens was considered by President Theodore Roosevelt to be the most beautiful image to ever appear on a U.S. coin. There are many collectors today that agree with that statement, even now more than 110 years later.
• A MOMENT IN HISTORY – When it was first released, the Saint-Gaudens Gold Liberty did not have the iconic American motto “In God We Trust” struck in it, much to the dismay of the American people and Congress. It wasn’t until the later part of 1908 that the motto was returned.
• STRUCK IN HIGHLY PURE GOLD –S. Saint-Gaudens Gold Liberty coins were struck in 33.436 grams of highly pure 90% gold and measure 34 mm in diameter.
• UNITED STATES LEGAL TENDER – These coins were $20 legal tender before all gold was recalled in 1933. They are also known as Double Eagles. A $10 gold coin is known as an Eagle.
• CHOICE UNCIRCULATED CONDITION – These “No Motto” Saint-Gaudens Gold Liberty coins have been graded by either the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as being in Choice Mint State-63 (MS63) condition. Grading service varies.

Add this “scandalous” 1908 $20 Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle to your collection. It is one of the few “No Motto” American coins that does not feature the motto “In God We Trust.” Click it to your cart today!