A modern version of the famous United States 1907 Ultra High Relief double eagle gold pattern was produced in 2009 at the Philadelphia Mint. It was made as a tour de force to demonstrate how technical advances in minting techniques can now accommodate manufacturing such a coin. The original design was never made for commercial use because it was at that time impossible to make it in sufficient quantities.
The original striding - Liberty design used on these coins was the artistry of Augustus Saint Gaudens. A version of it in much lower relief was used on double eagle coins minted from 1907 - 1933. In recreating the artist's attempt to mint a stunning coin in ultra high relief, the 2009 version was made in a slightly smaller diameter and composed of 24-karat gold, thus making it easier to strike and maintain the fidelity of the design.
The main elements of the design of the original Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Double Eagle are exactly reproduced on the 2009 piece. On the heads there is the exact same Liberty design with all features being preserved. The tails feature a flying eagle with 14 sun rays behind it - exactly as in the original. The edge of the coin has the authentic 1907 raised edge-lettering. The inscription "E Pluribus Unum" is present on the edge with the words being separated by stars.
Through 21st century technology the original Saint Gaudens plasters were digitally mapped by the Mint and used in the die-making process. The date was changed to 2009 and for additional stars were added to represent the current 50 states. Also included was the inscription "In God We Trust" which was not used on the 1907 version.
The MMIX Ultra High Relief gold coins are 4mm thick and contain one ounce of 0.999 fine gold. All are Uncirculated (business strikes). All are made at the West Point Mint and will be packaged by the Mint in a special mahogany box. Sales of the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin ended on December 31 2009.
| Coin auctions on eBay |
 2009 $20 ULTRA HIGH RELIEF DOUBLE EAGLE PCGS - MS70FS US $4,395.00 |
 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle $20 1 oz gold Coin US $2,805.00 |
 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin US $2,726.00 |
 2009 ULTRA HIGH RELIEF GOLD $20 EARLY RELEASES NGC MS 69 US $3,000.00 |
 2009 $20.00 DOUBLE EAGLE ULTRA HIGH RELIEF GOLD COIN US $2,761.99 |
 2009 Ultra High Relief ST. Gaudens ONE ounce Gold Coin US $2,751.00 |
 2009 $20 GOLD ULTRA HIGH RELIEF DOUBLE EAGLE PCGS MS69 w/U.S. Mint Box & Book US $2,679.00 |
 2009 $20 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle 1 oz. Gold Coin US $3,100.00 |
 2009 BEAUTIFUL ULTRA HIGH RELIEF DOUBLE EAGLE GOLD 1oz.$20.PCGS MS70 PROOF US $5,500.00 |
 2009 Ultra High Relief G$20 US $2,515.00 |
