2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin
The 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin was one of the most highly anticipated coins in recent history. The coin recreates the original vision of designer Augustus Saint Gaudens that could not be realized in his time.
The 2009 Ultra High Relief was reproduced by digitally mapping the coin plasters from the original with some updates. The obverse of the coin carries the current date of 2009, expressed in Roman Numerals "MMIX." The number of stars has been updated from the original 46 to 50, representing the current number of US states. The reverse has had the inscription "In God We Trust" added between the sun and its rays. Both sides of the coin have a small border added along the edge.
The coins are struck in 24 karat gold, and contain one ounce of gold. Each coin measures 27 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness. The coins were only minted with an uncirculated finish.
The public had its first glimpse of the 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold Coin when it was unveiled at the ANA World's Fair of Money on July 30, 2008. The coin was included as part of a larger display that told the story of the coin from raw material to finished product.
The first strike ceremony for the coin took place at the West Point Mint on November 24, 2008. United States Mint Director had the honor of striking the first coin, which was sent to the Smithsonian Institute. The second coin was retained by the US Mint for their heritage assets.
The 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin went on sale at the US Mint on January 22, 2009. The initial price of the coin was $1,189 with an ordering limit of one per household. Over 40,000 coins were ordered during the first five days of sales.
Sales continued throughout the year, with adjustments made to the price due to the rising value of gold. The ordering limit was also raised and eventually removed completely. Sales of the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle officially ended on December 31, 2009.
