Finding St. Gaudens Gold Coin Wristwatches in the Wild: A Cherry Picker’s Guide

The Hunt for St. Gaudens Coin Watches

You don’t always need a dealer to find this. Here is what to look for when searching through circulation or bulk lots.

For those who love the thrill of the hunt, there’s something special about finding rare numismatic treasures in unexpected places. While most collectors focus on coins in their original form, there’s a fascinating subset of collectibles that combines precious metal coins with functional timepieces – the coin watch. Among these, St. Gaudens double eagle watches represent some of the most coveted pieces for both watch enthusiasts and coin collectors alike.

Historical Significance of St. Gaudens Double Eagles

The Saint-Gaudens double eagle, minted from 1907 to 1933, is widely considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced by the United States Mint. Designed by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the request of President Theodore Roosevelt, these $20 gold pieces feature Lady Liberty striding forward on the obverse, with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, while the reverse displays a majestic eagle in flight.

These coins were struck in .900 fine gold (90% gold, 10% copper) and contain approximately 0.9675 troy ounces of pure gold. Their artistic merit, historical significance, and gold content have made them perennial favorites among collectors. However, some of these coins found an even more unique fate – being transformed into luxury timepieces.

Identifying Key Markers

When searching for St. Gaudens coin watches, whether at estate sales, antique shops, or in bulk lots, there are several key markers to look for:

Design Elements

• Obverse Features: Look for the distinctive Liberty design with the torch and olive branch. The date should be visible below Liberty’s feet, typically from 1907-1933.
• Reverse Features: The eagle in flight design should be clearly visible on the reverse side of the watch face.
• Mint Marks: Common mint marks include ‘S’ for San Francisco, ‘D’ for Denver (1906-1916), and no mint mark for Philadelphia issues.

Construction Details

• Bezel Type: Most coin watches feature a simple bezel that holds the coin in place without obscuring the design. Some may have decorative bezels, but the coin face should remain largely visible.
• Case Material: Given that these coins are 90% gold, the case should also be gold or gold-plated. Be wary of silver coins or base metal coins being passed off as gold.
• Movement: Many vintage coin watches use Swiss movements, though American-made movements are also possible.

Authentication Markers

“When I was a kid, my grandfather had a watch made from a St. Gauden’s double eagle… Sadly, he was robbed and they took it when I was a kid. But I’ve never seen another one, and every once in a while, I get the itch.”

– Forum Contributor

Where to Find These Treasures

Circulation Finds

While finding a St. Gaudens coin watch in circulation is extremely rare, it’s not impossible. These pieces occasionally surface in unexpected places:

• Charity Shops: Volunteers may not recognize the value of what they’re selling.
• Flea Markets: Individual sellers clearing out estates often don’t know what they have.
• Pawn Shops: Some shops focus on quick turnover and may miss valuable items.

Bulk Lots and Estate Sales

This is where most serious collectors find their treasures. Estate sales, particularly those of older individuals, can yield remarkable finds. Look for:

• Jewelry Boxes: Coin watches were often kept as personal treasures.
• Watch Collections: If someone collected watches, they might have had one of these.
• Safe Deposit Boxes: Family members clearing out safe deposit boxes after a death often find unexpected items.

Specialized Sources

Some jewelers and coin dealers specialize in these pieces. One forum contributor mentioned:

“I want to say he had 5’s, 10’s and 20’s made into watches. Lib’s, Indians and Saints. Not 100% positive, but pretty certain.”

Notable Manufacturers

While specific manufacturers of St. Gaudens coin watches are rarely documented, several companies were known to produce coin-based timepieces:

• Corum: Famous for their “Coin Watch” collection, though primarily featuring Liberty Head coins rather than St. Gaudens.
• Various Jewelers: Many independent jewelers created custom pieces using gold coins.
• Watch Companies: Some watch manufacturers produced limited runs of coin watches.

Authentication and Value Considerations

When you find a potential St. Gaudens coin watch, authentication becomes crucial:

Metal Testing

Given the gold content, testing the metal is essential. A professional jeweler can perform acid tests or electronic testing to verify the gold content.

Condition Assessment

Examine the coin for signs of wear or damage. Original St. Gaudens coins in excellent condition command premium prices, and this affects the watch’s value as well.

Movement Verification

Ensure the watch movement is functional or can be repaired. A beautiful case with a non-functional movement significantly reduces value.

Provenance Research

If possible, research the piece’s history. Original documentation, receipts, or family stories can add considerable value.

Market Value and Investment Potential

The value of St. Gaudens coin watches varies dramatically based on several factors:

Gold Content

The intrinsic value of the gold alone makes these pieces valuable. With gold prices fluctuating, this represents a baseline value.

Numismatic Premium

Certain dates and mint marks of St. Gaudens double eagles command significant premiums among collectors. A watch containing a rare coin variant could be worth considerably more.

Craftsmanship

The quality of the watch’s construction, including the case design and movement, affects overall value.

Historical Significance

Provenance or connection to notable individuals can dramatically increase value.

Care and Preservation

If you’re fortunate enough to acquire one of these pieces, proper care is essential:

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Remove the watch before swimming or using cleaning products.
• Regular Servicing: Have the movement serviced every 3-5 years by a qualified watchmaker.
• Proper Storage: Store in a soft cloth or dedicated watch box to prevent scratches.
• Insurance: Given the value, consider insuring your piece against loss or damage.

Conclusion: The Thrill of the Hunt

The search for St. Gaudens coin watches represents the ultimate treasure hunt for many collectors. These pieces combine the artistic beauty of America’s most celebrated gold coin with the functional elegance of a luxury timepiece. While finding one in circulation or at an estate sale requires patience and persistence, the thrill of discovery makes the hunt worthwhile.

As one collector noted, the memory of seeing their grandfather’s St. Gaudens watch stayed with them for decades, creating a lifelong quest to find another. Whether you’re motivated by investment potential, historical interest, or simply the joy of collecting, these remarkable pieces continue to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

Remember, the next time you’re sorting through a box of old watches at a garage sale or examining jewelry at an estate auction, that elusive St. Gaudens coin watch might be waiting to be rediscovered. Happy hunting!

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