2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin PCGS MS70

In the early 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt embarked on a mission to revolutionize American coinage. Dissatisfied with the artistic mediocrity of circulating coins, he envisioned a new era of numismatic excellence. This vision culminated in the creation of the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, a coin that would become a legend in its own right. However, the story didn't end there. A century later, in 2009, the United States Mint breathed new life into this iconic design with the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin.

The original 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle was a product of collaboration between Roosevelt and renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Their goal was to create a coin that rivaled the beauty of ancient Greek and Roman currency. The result was a masterpiece of numismatic art, featuring Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and olive branch, set against a background of radiant sunbursts. However, the extreme relief of the original design proved impractical for mass production, leading to a modified, lower relief version for circulation.

Fast forward to 2009, and the U.S. Mint sought to realize the full potential of Saint-Gaudens' original vision. Leveraging modern minting technology, they were able to produce the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin, faithfully recreating the stunning depth and detail of the 1907 pattern coins. This modern incarnation stands as a testament to both historical artistry and contemporary craftsmanship.

The 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is more than just a coin; it's a time capsule that bridges two centuries of American numismatic history. It embodies the spirit of Roosevelt's "pet crime" – his personal crusade to beautify American coinage – while showcasing the technological advancements of the 21st century. Each coin is a tangible link to a pivotal moment in U.S. history, when art and currency converged to create something truly extraordinary.

For collectors and investors alike, the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle represents a unique opportunity. It combines the timeless appeal of Saint-Gaudens' design with the precision and purity of modern minting techniques. The coin's limited mintage and historical significance have made it a sought-after piece, with its value often transcending its gold content.

As we hold this coin, we're not just holding a piece of precious metal; we're holding a slice of American history, a triumph of artistic vision, and a marvel of modern minting. It's a reminder of a time when leaders dared to dream of coins as works of art, and a celebration of the technology that finally made that dream a reality.

Design Features

The obverse of the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is a faithful reproduction of Saint-Gaudens' original design. Lady Liberty strides confidently forward, her flowing robes reminiscent of classical Greek sculpture. In her right hand, she holds aloft a torch, symbolizing enlightenment, while her left hand carries an olive branch, representing peace. The Capitol building is visible in the distance, grounding the allegorical figure in American symbolism. Surrounding Liberty are 50 stars, updated from the original 46 to reflect the current number of states.

The reverse features an equally majestic design. A young eagle soars against a rising sun, its wings spread wide in a display of national strength and aspiration. The sun's rays extend dramatically across the coin's surface, creating a sense of dawn and new beginnings. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "TWENTY DOLLARS" encircle the design, while "IN GOD WE TRUST" is prominently displayed, an addition to Saint-Gaudens' original concept.

What sets this coin apart is its incredible relief. The design elements rise from the surface with a depth and dimensionality that's rarely seen in modern coinage. This high relief brings out every nuance of Saint-Gaudens' artistry, from the delicate folds of Liberty's gown to the individual feathers on the eagle's wings. The coin's smaller diameter and increased thickness, mirroring the 1907 pattern pieces, allow for this exceptional depth of detail.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Lady Liberty striding forward with torch and olive branch, surrounded by 50 stars
• Reverse: Eagle in flight above a rising sun, with inscriptions

Investment Appeal

The 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin stands out as an exceptional investment opportunity for several reasons. First and foremost, its historical significance cannot be overstated. This coin represents the realization of a century-old artistic vision, making it a tangible piece of American numismatic history. Its connection to President Theodore Roosevelt and Augustus Saint-Gaudens adds layers of historical and cultural value that transcend its precious metal content.

From a collector's perspective, the coin's limited mintage enhances its appeal. With just over 115,000 pieces struck, it's scarce enough to be desirable but not so rare as to be unobtainable. This balance of rarity and accessibility makes it an attractive addition to any serious numismatic collection.

For investors focused on precious metals, the coin's gold content provides a solid foundation of intrinsic value. However, it's the coin's numismatic premium that offers potential for appreciation beyond the fluctuations of the gold market. The combination of historical significance, artistic beauty, and limited availability has consistently driven demand among both collectors and investors.

Moreover, the coin's exceptional quality and high relief design set it apart in the world of modern bullion. While many gold coins are valued primarily for their metal content, the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle commands respect – and often a significant premium – for its artistic merit and minting quality.

In essence, this coin offers a unique blend of tangible gold value, numismatic interest, and historical importance. It's not just a hedge against economic uncertainty; it's an investment in American cultural heritage. For those looking to diversify their portfolio with an asset that combines intrinsic value with collector appeal, the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin presents a compelling opportunity.