Numismatic

2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle MS-70 PCGS (Edmund Moy)

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In 2009, the West Point minting facility produced a remarkable gold coin that realized a century-old artistic vision. Struck on a thick, four-millimeter planchet, this twenty-dollar coin contains one troy ounce of virtually pure gold. The extraordinary depth of the strike brings a dramatic three-dimensional quality to the legendary design, which has been graded in flawless Mint State 70 condition. The front of the coin features Lady Liberty stepping forward against a backdrop of sunbeams, carrying a lit torch and an olive branch. On the back, a magnificent bald eagle glides through the air. The inscriptions on the piece include "United States of America", "Twenty Dollars", and "In God We Trust". This modern masterpiece traces its origins back to December 1906, when the initial design concept was first presented to President Theodore Roosevelt. To explore the feasibility of such a deep strike, mint engraver Charles Barber and his assistant Henri Weil crafted hubs for experimental test pieces in 1907. These early trials were crucial in determining exactly how many strikes from the coining press were necessary to fully bring out the intricate, high-relief details.