TRIVIA: United States of America Gold Double Eagles - Stars in Nt Eyes...

You know the original Liberty Head Gold Double Eagle s minted from 1849 through 1906 featured 13 stars on their ibverse representing the original 13 colonies as evidenced these two examples (Coin Page photos).

UNITED STATES 1857-S LIBERTY HEAD GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE

UNITED STATES 1906-S LIBERTY HEAD GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE


You probably know that when the Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagles were okayed to be struck in 1907 the 13 stars would be relegated to no longer being viable as representing the United States of America, so a decision was made to place 46 stars on the new $20 gold coins. The we have the following (Coin Page photo):

UNITED STATES 1908 SAINT GAUDENS GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE

The 48 stars prevailed through 1911 as evidenced by this photo of a 1911-S Saint Gaudens Gold Double Eagle (courtesy of Coin Page):

UNITED STATES 1911 SAINT GAUDENS GOILD DOUBLE EAGLE

Do you know what two events happened in 1912 to change that practice?

1. On January 6, 1912 New Mexico became America's 47th State.
2. On February 14, 1912 Arizona became America's 48th State.


So, instead of 46 stars representing the United States, two more stars were added to the Gold Double Eagles in 1912 making the total state representation 48 stars. Take two looks:

PHOTO COURTESY PARK AVENUE NUMISMATICS:


UNITED STATES 1912 SAINT GAUDENS GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE

UNITED STATES 1933 SAINT GAUDENS GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE

The 2009 Ultra High Relief Saint Gaudens Double Eagle was the result of new technology enhancing a legendary American coin accomplishment - the 1907 High Relief Double Eagle that was designed by August Saint Gaudens. Well the new 2009 coin went even further than that accomplishment. The original 1907 design, as you know, bore 46 stars on it representing the 46 contiguous states of these United States of America. You, also know when Arizona and New Mexico attained their statehood in 1912 two more stars were added the obverse. You know, right now, since 1933, two more states have been attained statehood;

1.Alaska - Admitted to the union January 3, 1959.
2. Hawaii - Admitted to the union August 21, 1959.

So the new 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle bears 50 stars on its obverse. See for yourself:

UNITED STATES 2009 ULTRA HIGH RELIEF GOLD DOUBLE EAGLE

Hope you enjoyed this post.

Clinker

 

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Thanks Clinker

 

Hi randygeki:

Thanks for reading and commenting...

Clinker

 

The decision to use the 46 stars was simply the choice of the artist. It had nothing to do with a decision that 13 stars were no longer a viable symbol. Saint-Gaudens had nothing against using the thirteen stars as shown by his use of them on the obv of the 1907 eagle.