Coins

Design of the American Gold Eagle

Augustus Saint-Gaudens was an American Sculptor, who specialized in the ideals of the American Renaissance. His design, of the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin, was the inspirational design of the American Gold Eagle. Although some aspects of the original design have been updated, such as the number of stars that hug the edge of the rim, the American Gold Eagle is a modern homage to the classic. Miley Busiek, also an American sculptor, honored Saint-Gaudens’ timeless design while recreating something original as well.

The obverse design, used for the American Gold Eagle, was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907 and repurposed in 1986 for the gold eagle. The Lady Liberty design has been used as a symbol of patriotism since the US began minting their own currency and her message of courage and power still reigns true. Dressed in a light robe, Lady Liberty is depicted as a warrior, with only a torch and an olive branch as her weapons. The word, “Liberty,” is written above her head, and 50 small stars encircle the coin’s rim.

Hand-picked by the Founding Fathers, the Bald Eagle became the nation’s emblem; representing strength, independence, and leadership. Miley Busiek features a Bald Eagle family, on the reverse of the American Gold Eagle; a male, female, and a hungry baby. The representation of these three eagles depicts the country’s strength,in the past, present, and future. The king of the birds of prey nests within a bed made of olive branches with the coin’s weight, purity, and monetary value written underneath the eagle family.