1908 Saint Gaudens PCGS MS67 Wells Fargo Nev Gold - 1908 No Motto St Gaudens, PCGS MS67. This Superb Gem Uncirculated 1908 Saint-Gaudens double eagle shimmers with coruscating mint luster. The coin is well struck for the issue with more details than usually seen on Libertys bosom. The Capitol building and its immediate area have full details as do the feathers on the eagle and the top of the wings. As expected for a piece of this grade, the surfaces are totally original and clean with no abrasion marks visible without magnification.

In the 1990s dealer Ron Gillio purchased a hoard of 19,900 double eagles of this date in bank sealed bags. They had not been moved since 1917 and were temporarily stored in a Wells Fargo Bank vault. Known as the Wells Fargo Hoard, the quality of these coins was excellent, and the present coin is an example.

Low relief Saint-Gaudens double eagle coins were first issued in 1907. They continued until 1933, when all gold production stopped. The low relief coins had Arabic numerals for the date instead of the Roman numerals seen on the previous two issues. In 1908 both With and Without Motto pieces were issued. The former were minted despite President Theodore Roosevelts preference to the contrary. He felt that Gods name should not be placed on coin because coins are sometimes used for base purposes.

The design shows Liberty standing on a rocky summit, her left foot planted on a rock that is higher than the rest. The wind blows her dress and hair. Stylized sun rays are seen behind her full-length figure. She holds a large torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Above her is LIBERTY. The date is to the right of her left ankle, and a small Capitol building is to the left of her right foot. Except for the bottom right, forty-six small stars encircle the design, one for each state in the Union at the time. E PLURIBUS UNUM with its words separated by stars is on the edge of the coin. The reverse shows a large eagle in flight to the left. It is reminiscent of Gobrechts flying eagle. Beneath the eagle is the rising sun with stylized rays, some of which touch the opposite rim. The inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is in an arc at the top. Just beneath the legend is the denomination TWENTY DOLLARS.

Because of its large mintage and the availability of the Wells Fargo Hoard coins, the 1908 No Motto double eagle makes an excellent type coin, which is recommended for investors and collectors.