This a twenty gold coin with an unusual destiny was the most beautiful of all ever minted in the United States. Its history dates back to the California Gold Rush of 1848, when the "shiny metal" was found in the mine Satterz Mill. While traditionally produces ten-coin, called "Eagles", as their reverse was depicted this noble bird in flight. After the discovery of a new source of gold, the US Congress in February 1849 decided to issue new coins of precious metal par value of twenty dollars and weighing in at twice the previous (now "Double Eagle"). The author sketches was James Barton Longacre talented. Originally there were two design options, but one of them disappeared. And in March 1850 was minted the first batch of these coins on the remaining sketch, though a release date on it remained unaltered (1849). Such "double eagles" were issued and circulated until 1907, but President Theodore Roosevelt decides to replace them with new gold coins, which would not only embodies the principles of a democratic state, but would become the new standard of beauty and grace in the creation of money.

Inspired by the works of the famous American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, whose works were admired by its realism and spirituality, Roosevelt instructs develop new design a twenty gold coins to him. The credibility of this master, which is recognized throughout the country, the President had a long time, and not only because of the magnificent sculpture of Saint-Gaudens immortalized the glory of the heroes of the Civil War, the idea of ​​equality and freedom, beauty and spiritual fullness of human life. These two outstanding people associate both business and warm friendships. Augustus was the creator of the commemorative medal in honor of the inauguration of Theodore in 1905. He actively works with new works that adorned the parks, squares and museums of America, as well as the most famous art galleries of the world - the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, the National Gallery of portrait painting in London and numerous art museums in other countries. The sculptor is starting a new design of "double eagle", understanding that this work will probably be his "swan song", because even in 1900, he learned that he had cancer.
Roosevelt and Saint-Gaudens admire originality of coinage in ancient Greece, grace and brilliance of their decoration. They decide to bring the best traditions of this art in the creation of the new coins for their country. The obverse depicts the Statue of Liberty in full growth. In her left hand - a branch of an olive tree, symbolizing peace and harmony, and in pravoy- torch is the personification of the triumph of goodness and justice. "Lady Liberty" is shown in the background of the rising sun, and the coat-tails of her gown visible edge of the Capitol building. Forty-six stars in the number of states belonging to the time of the state, placed around a majestic sculpture. Date of issue of this masterpiece of numismatics minted right roman numerals. The reverse of the coin imprinted flying eagle. Illuminated sun, this traditional symbol of America embodies the idea of freedom of choice and fortitude. Above him, a semicircular inscription «UNITED STATES OF AMERICA» («United States of America"), and under it is the face value - «TWENTY DOLLARS" ("twenty dollars"). On the edge of Saint-Gaudens placed motto «E PLURIBUS UNUM» («union of many"). President and sculptor considered inappropriate to make the inscription «IN GOD WE TRUST» («faith in God"), as such money could be used in brothels or gambling halls, and contrary to the principles of decency and morality.

So the traditional American creed, always present at all the American money issued during the previous hundred years, has not been made on the first installment of the "double eagle." But in 1908, members of Congress have insisted on the need for such additions to the design, and later coins were minted with this inscription placed on the reverse of a semicircle above the rising sun. Unfortunately, Saint-Gaudens did not see his creation - he passed away in 1907, before it was born. As the author of the design details of the image quality had to be very high, and the first batch was just that. About twenty gold masterpieces diameter of 34 mm were produced by the Mint. Most of them are now in private collections. Later that same year, there were just designed the coins that differ only by their diameter (27 mm). There are only two such "double eagle", have survived to our time, and they are carefully preserved in the Smithsonian Institution. *

Since the process of coinage was too complicated for mass production, chief engraver of the US Mint, Charles Barber insisted on the necessity of further release of "Double Eagle" with less relief image. Therefore, the following third edition numbered about 12 thousand copies in diameter 34mm, in which figures and inscriptions were made in less than high quality.

Also in 1907 there was also the most common version of "Double Eagle", on which the release date is no longer minted Roman and Arabic numerals. They were issued and produced until 1933 virtually unchanged in design, except for the fact that since 1912 have appeared on the obverse of the two stars. However, from 1916 to 1920, these coins were not issued, and during the most serious economic crisis in the history of the United States in 1929-1933. they do not go into circulation, and safeguarded as part of the gold reserves of the state.
After World War I the ratio of financial power in Europe and America has changed, and the economic situation was dangerously unstable, as the individual owners of large quantities of gold to act in their best interests. These processes have affected the US gold reserves, which led to the banking crisis, financial institutions do not engage in any transactions with the 6 th to 9 th March 1933 and then president of the United States, a cousin of Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt takes objectively justified strategic decision to prevent a complete collapse of the financial system. He issued a decree on the abolition of the gold standard and the free circulation of gold coins, so that the possession of gold coins becomes illegal. All circulating gold money to be withdrawn from the public. Now "Double Eagles" are extremely rare, and they have survived thanks to the fact that a significant number of them were in the Bank of France and Switzerland, as well as in private collections. Not all of them were returned to their homeland in our time are from 10 thousand to several million dollars.

In 1933 has been rapped over half a million "Saint-Gaudens" which never went into circulation because their melted, and two copies were handed Numismatic Association in the United States. Only these two coins were to remain as unique masterpieces in the history of American numismatics. However, some "Double Eagles" (about twenty copies are known at this stage) were stolen. It is believed that this had been involved Mint Cashier George McCann and underground jewelery trader from Philadelphia Izrael Sweatt. Nine coins were in illegal possession of private collectors that save them for as long as the US Secret Service did not start searching for the lost value in 1944. Seven "double eagles" were returned to federal agents and transferred to the State, and one coin remained in private ownership until 1952.

Another masterpiece of Numismatics in 1944 was acquired by the ruler of Egypt, Farouk, who was an avid collector. To keep the word of the law, his ministers appealed to the US Treasury with a request to issue an export license for the coin. This happened just a few days before the discovery of the theft, and the document was issued. When the kidnapping became known, through diplomatic channels, Farouk got the paper, which requested to return it "double eagle" to the United States, but this was prevented by World War II. After the overthrow of the Egyptian ruler, his collection was sold by auction. US authorities insisted on the return of the coin, but it suddenly disappeared. Only forty years later, this "Double Eagle" reappeared. It was discovered during the arrest of Stephen Fenton in New York, which subsequently prove their ownership of this value in court. The hearing was held in 2001, and it resulted in a return of the coins in America. It was stored in the World Trade Center, and in July of the same year was transferred to Fort Knox. After two months of incomplete tragedy occurred on September 11, and the center was destroyed. Surviving as fate coin was sold by Sotheby's in July 2002, more than seven and a half million dollars.

In August of 2005. The Secret Service has found another ten stolen "double eagles", which is owned by Joan Lengbord. Mint confirmed their authenticity, and coins were deposited in Fort Knox. However, their former owner insists that it has inherited from his father the value of a lawful way, and continues to pursue legal action for the return of her coins. Interestingly, her interest is the same attorney who previously assisted Fenton.

In 2004, the Mint of the National Association of Collectors (NCM) allegedly with the approval of the authorities of the Northern Mariana Islands has produced replicas of "Double Eagle" in 1933. Unlike coins consisted of originals that on the reverse of the motto of the American nation was minted print subservient US territory. This angered the US authorities, as the coins did not indicate that they are copies. Therefore reprint came out with redesigned: the image of an eagle appeared the inscription «COPY» («copy"). Most of these "double eagles" are collectors, although there is still an ongoing debate on their legality.

Interest in the "Saint-Gaudens" in our time continues to rise, and many collectors dream replenish their collections such rarity. Therefore, in early 2009, the Mint of the United States provide all interested persons a chance to buy again minted gold "double eagle." One of the most notorious events in the world of numismatics last year was the presentation of the plaster cast of the future "Saint-Gaudens' par value of $ 20 at the International Fair of money, organized by the American Numismatic Association. Opening grand show of money held on July 30, 2008. in Baltimore, and the major role played in this extravaganza US Mint Director Ed Moy. Exhibition of new achievements of American chasers made ​​a huge impression, since it was introduced a cast of future shedevra- famous "double eagle." One ounce of gold (24 carats), turned into a true work of art thanks to new technologies in the coinage, and the efforts of skilled craftsmen will undoubtedly be desirable for most numismatists. These collectible coins are twice thicker than other US gold coins of the same weight as it takes to create the relief of the highest quality. Updated "Saint-Gaudens" will be released for sale early in the year, and they can be purchased only in 2009. Limited edition is not planned, and the cost will depend on the world price of gold. According to American numismatists, the emergence of new "double eagles" will give an excuse to make good investment, because such masterpieces eventually go down in history, as they will appear again during the global crisis, and certainly outlive him if they succeed this time to see the light.

* Smithsonian Institute - one of the oldest research and cultural institutions in the United States, founded in 1846. funded scientist John. Smithsonian in Washington DC. It consists of Astrophysical Observatory, National Zoological Park, the National Museum and Gallery of art and other places.