Diagnostic Controls & Presets Theodore Roosevelt Motto Controversy
Diagnostic Forensic Readings
Forensic Attribution Diagnostic
Real-time metallurgical and die variety cross-examination verified against certified populations.
Technical Breakdown: Physics, Metallurgy & Die Diagnostics
When President Theodore Roosevelt engaged famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1905 to redesign American coinage to match the artistic glory of ancient Greece, Roosevelt made a specific personal demand: omit the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Roosevelt firmly believed that placing the Deity's name on physical currency used in gambling halls, crime, and saloons constituted sacrilege.
Upon release of the 1907 and early 1908 'No Motto' double eagles, religious organizations and the public erupted in protest. On May 18, 1908, Congress passed Public Law 120 mandating the restoration of 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on all gold and silver coinage.
Mintage Breakdown:
• 1908 Philadelphia No Motto: 4,271,551 struck
• 1908 Philadelphia With Motto: 156,258 struck (Key Type)
• 1908-D Denver No Motto: 663,750 struck
• 1908-D Denver With Motto: 349,500 struck
• 1908-S San Francisco No Motto: 22,000 struck (Key Date)
Gross Weight = 516 grains (33.436 grams)
Fineness = 0.900 gold, 0.100 copper
Net Pure Gold = 464.4 grains = 0.9675 troy ounces (30.093 grams pure Au).
Documented Benchmark Auction Records
Superb Gem Registry specimen. Dazzling orange-peel luster with radiant peripheral frost and untouched surfaces.
Originating from the fabled Wells Fargo Hoard of 19,900 coins. Mesmerizing silky mint luster with virgin satin fields.
Key-date branch mint issue with a mintage of only 22,000 coins. Pristine golden color with exceptional strike sharpness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Theodore Roosevelt remove 'IN GOD WE TRUST' from the 1908 Double Eagle?
President Theodore Roosevelt believed that placing God's name on physical money was close to sacrilege, as coins were frequently used in illegal activities, gambling, saloons, and commerce. He instructed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to omit the motto to enhance the coin's artistic beauty.
When and why was the motto put back on the 1908 Double Eagle?
Following intense national backlash from religious groups and the general public, Congress passed a joint resolution on May 18, 1908, requiring that 'IN GOD WE TRUST' appear on all gold and silver coins. Charles E. Barber added the motto above the sunburst on the reverse midway through 1908 production.
What was the famous Wells Fargo Hoard?
In the 1990s, a hoard of approximately 19,900 uncirculated 1908 No Motto Saint-Gaudens double eagles was discovered in a bank vault in Nevada, originally stored by Wells Fargo. Graded primarily MS-65 to MS-67, this hoard provided collectors with some of the most spectacular gem-quality gold coins known today.
Which 1908 Saint-Gaudens variety is the rarest?
The 1908-S No Motto is the rarest regular issue with a mintage of only 22,000 coins. In the Philadelphia strikes, the 1908 With Motto is significantly scarcer (156,258 struck) than the 1908 No Motto (4,271,551 struck).
What is the gold content of the 1908 Saint-Gaudens $20?
Each coin weighs 33.436 grams (516 grains) and contains 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold (90% gold, 10% copper alloy for durability).
How can you detect counterfeit 1908 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles?
Modern counterfeiters produce tungsten-core fakes because tungsten matches the specific gravity of gold (19.3 g/cm³). Authenticators detect these using ultrasonic acoustic velocity testing (sound travels at ~3,200 m/s in gold vs ~5,200 m/s in tungsten) and electromagnetic conductivity sensors.
What is the auction record for a 1908 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle?
Gem Registry examples of the 1908-D With Motto in PCGS MS-67 have realized over $84,000 at public auction.