1907 Double Eagle Coin : In a discovery that has stunned the numismatic world and thrilled maritime historians, a rare 1907 Double Eagle gold coin—valued at an astonishing $9.9 million—has been recovered from a long-lost shipwreck off the coast of South Carolina. The coin, once believed to be lost to the depths of the ocean forever, is now being hailed as one of the most valuable and historically significant pieces of American currency ever found.
A Hidden Treasure Underwater
The coin was uncovered during an exploration of the SS Madison, a steamship that sank in 1909 under mysterious circumstances during a routine voyage from New Orleans to New York. The wreck, discovered by a private marine salvage team earlier this year, revealed a cache of gold coins—but none more significant than the ultra-rare 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle.
“This is like the Mona Lisa of American coins,” said Dr. Leonard Price, a historian specializing in early 20th-century U.S. currency. “Finding one in a shipwreck, in near-pristine condition, is practically unheard of.”
What Makes the 1907 Double Eagle So Special?
The 1907 Double Eagle was designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, who wanted American currency to reflect the beauty and grandeur of classical art. The result was a stunning $20 gold coin featuring Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and olive branch, considered by many to be the most beautiful coin ever minted in the United States.
However, due to design issues and technical limitations at the U.S. Mint, only a limited number of high-relief specimens were struck before the design was modified. Fewer than two dozen of the original 1907 ultra high-relief Double Eagles are known to exist—and even fewer are in private hands.
The recovered coin has been authenticated as one of these ultra high-relief specimens and is in exceptional condition, despite spending over a century underwater.
A Multi-Million Dollar Coin
Following its recovery, the coin was sent to the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) for evaluation. After weeks of study and authentication, it received a near-perfect grade and was appraised at $9.9 million.
“This isn’t just a coin,” said Lisa McCarthy, Director of NGC’s Rare Coin Division. “It’s a national treasure—one of the finest examples of Saint-Gaudens’ vision and a direct link to Roosevelt’s bold reimagining of American money.”
The coin is expected to go on display temporarily at the Smithsonian Institution before being offered at a private auction later this year. Experts believe it could exceed the $10 million mark when bidding begins.
The Salvage Operation
The SS Madison‘s rediscovery is a story of perseverance. After decades of searching, the salvage team finally located the wreck using deep-sea sonar mapping and robotic submersibles. The wreck itself was located nearly 2,000 feet below the surface.
“The entire site was remarkably well-preserved,” said Chris Vaughn, the salvage team leader. “We found gold coins, jewelry, and historical documents, but the moment we saw the Double Eagle, we knew this changed everything.”
A Glimpse Into History
This discovery doesn’t just enrich collectors—it deepens our understanding of American maritime trade, monetary history, and craftsmanship at the dawn of the 20th century. The Double Eagle recovered from the Madison is more than gold—it’s a symbol of a nation’s ambition, artistry, and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: What exactly is the 1907 Double Eagle coin?
The 1907 Double Eagle is a $20 gold coin designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt. It features Lady Liberty in a dynamic pose with a torch and olive branch, and is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever minted in the U.S.
Q2: Why is this particular coin worth $9.9 million?
This coin is an ultra high-relief version of the 1907 Double Eagle—a very limited edition created before the design was simplified for mass production. Only a few of these original coins exist, and this one, found in near-pristine condition in a shipwreck, is one of the rarest and best-preserved.
Q3: Where was the coin found?
The coin was discovered in the wreck of the SS Madison, a steamship that sank in 1909 off the coast of South Carolina. It was found during a deep-sea salvage operation led by a private team of marine explorers.
As salvage teams continue to explore the wreck and historians pore over its contents, one thing is clear: the sea still holds secrets, and sometimes, they’re worth nearly $10 million. The 1907 Double Eagle reminds us that true treasures—lost or forgotten—can still rise from the depths to inspire awe and wonder in a modern world.
