2009 $20 Ultra High Reliefs in Stock
The Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle Story
Apart from a few issues, America's coin designs remained unchanged--and hopelessly boring--from the mid-1800s through the turn of the nineteenth century. President Theodore Roosevelt had a vision for our nation's coinage: A complete redesign that would rival the eternal class and style of ancient Greek coinage. During the production of his second-term inaugural medal in 1904, President Roosevelt became acquainted with America's greatest sculptor of the time, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The following year, he and Saint-Gaudens collaborated on new designs for the nation's ten dollar and twenty dollar gold pieces. Their combined efforts resulted in what is arguably the most attractive coin ever produced by the United States Mint--the Saint-Gaudens High Relief double eagle.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens was an artist known for his large scale productions and high relief work, such as his Robert Gould Shaw Memorial on Boston Common. To express his vision on such a small coin must have been excruciatingly challenging. The first double eagle pattern and trial issues bear evidence of this fact, being of unusually high relief. In fact, the design had to be changed due to limitations in the Mint's capabilities. A compromise was reached between Chief Engraver Charles Barber and Saint-Gaudens: A lower relief was introduced, although the design was still considered to be in high relief relative to traditional coinage of the era. The latter design was pressed into production and 12,367 pieces were struck for circulation. These coins were dated 1907 in the form of Roman numerals and without the motto, IN GOD WE TRUST. Saint-Gaudens died before the coins were released into general circulation, although he did have the opportunity to examine the first pieces struck by the Philadelphia Mint. The High Relief variants still proved technically challenging for the Mint and a much lower relief design was introduced in the second half of 1907. It was this design that continued virtually unchanged until 1933—the final year of the denomination.
1907 High Relief Twenty Dollar Gold Pieces | The OriginalsWith a total mintage of only 12,367 pieces, the 1907 High Relief double eagles were relatively scarce--if not rare--since the day they were struck. By way of comparison, the 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln cent is often referred to as "the key date cent in the series," even though 484,000 coins were produced. Many 1907 High Reliefs were melted in the two ensuing decades since, at that time, they carried little premium and also due to the financial pressures of the Great Depression. Others were used and abused--literally. Many circulated and others found their way into jewelry bezels, or were simply polished once in awhile by their good-intentioned custodians. 
These days, the available supply of 1907 High Relief twenties pales in comparison to the incessant demand, especially in problem-free, Mint State condition. Most must settle for the 1907 Arabic numeral pieces, of which 361, 667 pieces were struck in low relief. The 1907 High Relief double eagles are one of our favorite issues and, as such, we work hard to keep a constant supply in stock. We are pleased to offer the following NGC-certified examples of this classic American coin:
For more information on 1907 $20 High Reliefs or to purchase one now call 888-655-9255 or contact us online. |
2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagles
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We now stock a custom insert to hold PCGS slabs within the original Mint mahogany box. These are identical to the capsule insert, but with a hole to accept PCGS holders.....................$35/each
For more information on 2009 $20 High Reliefs or to purchase one now call 888-655-9255 or contact us online.
While supplies last. Subject to rapid market fluctuations.
