Semi-Numismatic

OGP- 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin Book

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In December 1906, a bold new vision for American coinage was presented to President Theodore Roosevelt. This design, crafted by Saint-Gaudens and engraved by Charles Barber with the assistance of Henri Weil, sought to replace what Roosevelt considered unattractive currency with pieces that reflected the nation's rising global stature. The initial experimental strikes, produced in January 1907, were uniquely small and thick, measuring just 27 millimeters in diameter compared to the standard 32 millimeters of a typical twenty dollar gold piece. These early trial versions required an intense minting process, utilizing multiple blows from a press to bring up the dramatic, high relief details. Although they shared the exact gold weight of the standard twenty dollar coin, their physical dimensions set them apart. This specialized book details the fascinating evolution of these ultra high relief gold pieces, tracking their journey from the initial 1907 experimental strikes to the modern 2009 release.