Afternoon everyone…..
So let’s go back in time a bit. In 2009 the US Mint released a special high relief double eagle gold coin. I was just starting to get back into collecting coins around that time, and this coin really caught my eye.
If I remember correctly gold was at around $1,000 an ounce at the time of this release. The US Mint initial price on the coin was I believe $1,450. That’s a pretty stiff mark up.
At the time I didn’t have the extra funds to buy this coin, and it’s been a thorn in my side ever since. I really like this design and the concave shape of the coin.
The coin now sells for roughly $2,500, and is still out of my budget. But it’s on my list of things to buy if I ever have that kind of expendable cash.
Here is the description of the coin directly from the US Mint website:
The 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin shows the Nation and the world the very best the United States Mint has to offer. The 21st century vision of the United States Mint, combined with technological advances, enabled the United States Mint to realize the previously unattainable goal of making the coin accessible to all Americans.
Through 21st century technology and the vision of Director Ed Moy, original Saint-Gaudens coin plasters were digitally mapped by the United States Mint. Using the digital design and die-making process, the Saint-Gaudens sculpture—in ultra high relief—has been updated to reflect the year 2009, an additional four stars to represent the current 50 states, and the inscription “In God We Trust,” which was not on the 1907 version.
Additionally, a small border was added for a more consistent edge. The 2009 coin will be made of 24-karat gold. Pure 24-karat gold is much more malleable than 22-karat or 90% gold coins, making it better material for striking the ultra high relief.
Obverse: Saint-Gaudens' Liberty, personified by a statuesque woman striding powerfully forward. Liberty is leading the way with a torch in her front hand and an olive branch in the back hand. The United States Capitol dome is also depicted in the background.
Reverse: A young eagle flying during a sunrise is depicted on the reverse. The motto, "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is on the edge of the coin, allowing a cleaner design on the obverse and reverse.
Obverse Inscriptions
LIBERTY
MMIX
Reverse Inscriptions
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
TWENTY DOLLARS
IN GOD WE TRUST
Incused (edge) Inscriptions
E PLURIBUS UNUM