1908 $20 Saint Gaudens Gold, Proof Values

The Greysheet Catalog (GSID) of the $20 Saint Gaudens Gold, Proof (1908–1915) series of Pre-1933 Gold Coinage in the U.S. Coins contains 2 distinct entries with CPG® values between $31,000.00 and $648,000.00.

The Quarter Eagle denomination of the early 20th century Gold

Indian design is by far the most popular among collectors. Just like the

Indian Half Eagles though, they have that unique characteristic of raised

fields and sunken in devices. This makes these coins stick out from mostly

any other American numismatic series but also makes grading extremely

difficult since the fields wear first. Theodore Roosevelt famously hired

Augustus Saint-Gaudens to improve the beauty of the double eagle but the

smaller denomination gold coinage designed by Bela Lyon Pratt was not

widely accepted. The odd recessed design and replacement of lady liberty

with an "Indian" was looked upon very negatively. A century or so later

these coins are now highly prized and accepted for these same reasons. It

is a short series as there were gaps in production plus the permanent

stoppage for all gold coins in 1933. That along with a range of dates from

very common to super key makes this a fun series to collect. The modern

drawbacks for the series are the fact that they are small and have raised

fields so grading ability and diagnostic knowledge of each issue is a

necessity. No American coin is more difficult to grade since the devices

can be pristine but if there is wear on in the fields the value and grade

drops quickly. It does create a fine opportunity though for those who

develop a keen eye for these coins as they automatically catapult

themselves to the forefront of this numismatic sector. More on the unique

design is how this coin was the first depiction of American Indians to

appear as they actually looked. The even more famous and collectible Indian

Head Cents just displayed lady liberty dressed as a native woman. Just as

much as any coin especially gold ones these coins are heavily counterfeited

and altered in which you must be very careful buying them raw. Lookout for

added mintmarks and pay close attention on the Indian’s neck between the

hair and feathers. Any odd depressions or markings in this area is a tell

tale sign. Overall it is a very desirable, short and challenging series.