One of the most memorable coins of the classic early 20th century designs is the $20 double eagle designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The 1908 date is unique as it is the only year when the United States Mint struck both “With Motto” and “No Motto” Saint-Gaudens coins.

During development, Saint-Gaudens and President Theodore Roosevelt decided to omit “In God We Trust” from the first of the new double eagles to be issued in 1908. The motto, previously located just above the sun on the back of the coin, was removed, as it was considered that the phrase violated the Constitutional amendment requiring separation of church and state.

Due to the poor response the coin received, Congress passed a law requiring “In God We Trust” be reinstated on all United States coinage. In the middle of 1908, the United States Mint halted the production of “No Motto” Saint-Gaudens. The coin’s reverse design was changed and “In God We Trust” added just below the flying eagle.