Not counting the infamous 1933 Saint-Gaudens $20, the 1921 is -- along with the 1927-D -- the most popular of all rare Saint-Gaudens double eagles. While a total of 528,500 were minted, but the vast majority were melted soon after production and thus few survive today. About 150 are believed to exist, and approximately half are known in circulated grades. Of the 60 or 70 in MS grades, almost all grade below MS65. The few examples that qualify as MS65 or higher have posted high six-figure and low seven-figure auction prices in recent years.
| coinage-type | Saint Gaudens gold double eagle |
| desg | MS |
| designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
| diameter | 34 |
| edge | Reeded |
| fineness | 0.9 |
| material | 90% gold; 10% copper |
| mintage | 528,500 |
| ngc-id | 26G2 |
| obverse-description | Liberty is portrayed standing on a rock, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The word LIBERTY appears on the top periphery surrounded by stars. The date is stamped on the right side of the coin, just above the rock. |
| pcgs-link | 9172 |
| pcgs-number | 9172 |
| reverse-description | A crescent sun appears at the bottom as if rising on the horizon with long rays extending to the top of the coin. A flying eagle covers the central portion, atop the rays. The words UNITED STATES oF AMERICA, TWENTY DOLLARS appear on the top periphery. |
| weight-grams | 33.436 |
| weight-ounces | 0.9675 |
| year-display | 1908-1933 |