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The historic 1908 "No Motto" Saint-Gaudens gold coins have one of the most fascinating coin stories in history. After the turn of the century, President Teddy Roosevelt asked famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create a fresh, new series of United States gold coin designs.
The new 1907 issues had high reliefs creating many minting problems. As a result, 1907 mintages were low and few were circulated until the new lower relief designs were finally finished. It wasn't until mid-1908 that the public saw the new designs and realized the motto "In God We Trust" had been removed.
Tabloid newspapers picked up the story and there was a huge public outcry. Back then, it was similar to today's outcry over "God" being taken out of the Pledge of Allegiance. Both Christians and Jews alike demanded that the “In God We Trust” motto re-appear on coins. Seeing an ideal opportunity to win votes at no cost, Congress passed a law that requires all U.S. coins to bear the motto "In God We Trust.”
In mid-1908 the U.S. Mint halted production of “No Motto” Saint-Gaudens. The coin’s reverse design was changed and “In God We Trust” was added just below the flying eagle. As a result of this unique historical event, collectors love the 1908 Saint-Gaudens:
• Only the 1908 date has both “With Motto” and “No Motto” Saint-Gaudens gold coins.
• Coin collectors must have “No-Mottos” to complete Saint-Gaudens "Type Sets" which keeps the 1908 date always in high demand.
• Population Reports verify that the 1908 Saint-Gaudens “No Motto” is over six times scarcer than "With Motto" Saints in this same grade.
For these reasons, we highly recommend you put away one of thee classic, 1908 "No Motto" Saint-Gaudens while they are available. All coins are certified authentic and guaranteed by NGC or PCGS.
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