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Initially created at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Double Eagle stands out as one of the world's most well-known coins. The design is widely acclaimed as the most aesthetically pleasing coin in U.S. history. However, Saint-Gaudens' initial visions were far more ambitious. The original design depicted Lady Liberty as an angelic figure with large wings and crowned with a Native American headdress suggested by Roosevelt, as opposed to the traditional Phrygian cap. The reverse featured a completely different design, picturing a proud eagle perched on an olive branch. In addition, both sides of the coin were intended to be struck in the highest relief.
Unfortunately, challenges in the minting process led to a reduction in the intended relief, and various alterations were made to the design, stripping Liberty of her wings and headdress. The reverse design was replaced with a new depiction of an eagle in flight. Due to his declining health, Saint-Gaudens was unable to refute the changes. He passed away in 1907, never seeing his altered work enter circulation.
In honor of Saint-Gaudens' legacy, the National Park Foundation authorized the issuance of "Winged Liberty" commemoratives. John Mercanti, retired 12th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, was commissioned to complete the sculpture based on original plasters housed at the Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish, New Hampshire. Finally, over a century later, in 2016, Saint-Gaudens' original vision was realized.
Now, in 2024, this remarkable coin has made a triumphant return, improved and refined. Struck by the prestigious Commonwealth Mint and enhanced by Jody Clark, Chief Engraver of the Commonwealth Mint and the artist behind the last definitive effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, the 2024 NPF 1oz Silver Saint-Gaudens Winged Liberty boasts the highest relief seen in the series to date—Ultra High Relief. This 2024 rendition also includes elements missing from the 2016 version, notably the stars encircling Liberty. This edition has also been treated with a Roman finish, a hybrid between standard proof and matte proof finishes, described as "polished frosted."
Each 2024 NPF 1oz Silver Saint-Gaudens Winged Liberty has been graded by NGC as a perfect-strike SP 70. In addition, these commemoratives come slabbed with an exclusive Augustus Saint-Gaudens label, hand-signed by the legendary master engraver, John Mercanti. However, the 2024 NFP 1oz Silver Saint-Gaudens Winged Liberty has a mintage of merely 4,999, with only 250 certified as First Day of Issue. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this stunning tribute to the visionary artist who was ahead of his time!
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Year of Issue | 2024 |
Certification | NGC |
Grade | SP70 |
Label | Saint Gaudens Label |
Pedigree | First Day of Issue |
Composition | .999 silver |
Diameter | 38.6mm |