US Mint Announces Intention to Recreate Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle
On March 13, 2008, during a meeting with the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, the Direct of the United States Mint announced plans to recreate one of the most beautiful coins in American coinage history. The recreation will bring to life Agustus Saint Gaudens' original Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle.
US Mint Director Ed Moy stated, "We want to spur the highest level of artistic excellence in American coin design. Recreating thousands of Augustus Saint Gaudens' ultra-high relief Double Eagles will be a defining moment in American coinage."
The classic coin will be recreated in 24 karat gold and will be available for collectors in 2009. It will be based upon the second variation of Saint Gaudens' design which uses Roman Numerals and uses 27 millimeter diameter. The thickness of the coins is greater than usual to accommodate the design.
Some modifications to the original design will be made. Two folds on Liberty's gown will be altered and the Capitol building visible in the background will be reduced. The Roman Numeral date will be changed to MMIX for 2009. Lastly, the motto "In God We Trust" will be added to the reverse of the coin.
