Product Description: 2009 1 oz Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle

Introducing the 2009 1 oz Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle, a modern rendition of the original 1907 $20 high relief Saint-Gaudens, released by the U.S. Mint for collectors of the 21st century. Struck with ultra high relief and a proof mirror-like finish, this coin is minted on a 27 mm 1 oz .9999 fine Gold planchet.

Coin Highlights:

Contains 1 oz of .9999 fine Gold.
Struck on a 4 mm thick planchet in Ultra High Relief.
Limited worldwide mintage of 114,427 coins.
Eligible for Precious Metals IRAs.
Obverse: Features Lady Liberty striding ahead of the sun’s rays, holding a torch and an olive branch.
Reverse: Showcases a majestic bald eagle in flight, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” above and “IN GOD WE TRUST” below.
Guaranteed by the U.S. Mint.

Technological Advancements:

Through innovative technology and the vision of Director Ed Moy, original Saint-Gaudens coin plasters were digitally mapped by the United States Mint. This digital design and die-making process updated the Saint-Gaudens sculpture to reflect the year 2009, adding four additional stars to represent the current 50 states, and including the inscription “In God We Trust,” absent in the 1907 version.

A small border was also incorporated for a more uniform edge. The 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle coin is crafted from 24-karat gold, known for its malleability, making it ideal for striking the ultra high relief.

Brief History of The High Relief Gold Double Eagle

The original design was presented to President Theodore Roosevelt in December 1906. Mint engraver Charles Barber, despite personal differences with Saint-Gaudens, respected the sculptor’s talent. Barber and Henri Weil prepared hubs for both normal and small diameter Double Eagles. Small diameter pieces were struck to determine the number of blows needed to express Saint-Gaudens’ design. Director Frank Leach later deemed the small-diameter $20 pieces illegal, leading to their return and destruction, with only two examples retained for the mint collection.

Prior to the 2009 Ultra High Relief commemorative coin, the 1907 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle High Relief had been the only other time in history the US Mint struck this coin type. There are pristine pieces that have sold over the years for many millions of dollars. In fact, one sold in near flawless PF69 for $4.3 million through Heritage Auctions.