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THE $20 GOLD PIECE
Updated by ADAMS KESSLER 5/7/2008 | |
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The Saint-Gaudens $20 gold piece is considered
by many to be the most beautiful U.S. coin. Designed by sculptor
Augustus Saint-Gaudens, these coins are known as much for their controversy as
their beauty. Saint-Gaudens placed another required motto, E PLURIBUS UNUM,
along the edge of the coin, thus reducing the clutter on coin and reinforcing their clean, open look.
At the instruction of President Theodore
Roosevelt, the first Saint-Gaudens (minted in 1907) omitted the motto, "In God
We Trust." Although our country's motto appeared on gold coins since 1865,
President Roosevelt felt that the Lord's name should not appear on coins that
could be used in transactions in brothels, saloons, and gambling halls. Public
outcry led to Congress restoring this motto in 1908.