Numismatic

2009 Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle MS-70 NGC (Gold Label)

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In 2009, the United States Mint realized a long-held artistic vision by striking a magnificent twenty-dollar gold coin in ultra high relief. This modern issue, crafted from one troy ounce of 0.9999 fine gold, stands out because of its unusual dimensions. It was struck on a thick planchet measuring four millimeters, which allowed the metal to flow into the deep recesses of the dies, creating an extraordinary three-dimensional effect. The obverse of the coin presents a powerful image of Lady Liberty holding an olive branch and a lit torch, marching forward with the rays of a rising sun beaming behind her. The Roman numerals MMIX represent the year of production. On the reverse, a majestic bald eagle is captured mid-flight, soaring through the sky. The inscriptions on the piece include "United States of America", "Twenty Dollars", and "In God We Trust". This stunning design has deep historical origins, tracing back to December 1906 when the initial concept was presented to President Theodore Roosevelt. To bring this vision to life, mint engraver Charles Barber and his assistant Henri Weil worked diligently in 1907 to prepare experimental hubs. These early trial pieces were struck multiple times to test exactly how many blows of the coining press were necessary to fully bring out the intricate, deep details of the high-relief artwork. Decades later, the West Point Mint successfully brought this historic artistic ambition to the public using modern minting technology.