This hugely anticipated gold coin was issued in January of 2009 by the US Mint and is a recreation of one of the most famous coins to ever be created in the USA – the $20 Double Eagle coin released in 1907. The original coin was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens but back in 1907 it was impossible to create an ultra-high relief gold coin that was accessible to everyone in the country – something that was a dream of the original designer.
This modern coin is designed to show the world exactly the quality that the US Mint are able to offer, with a depiction of Liberty on one side and a stylized eagle created on the other. This makes the coin a highly visual spectacle, which is further enhanced by the huge amount of craftsmanship that has gone into the creation of this coin. The design was able to be recreated due to the use of highly modern techniques such as digital mapping and a highly effective die-making technique, both of which meant that the design could be both true to the original and of the highest quality.
One of the most remarkable facts about this coin is regarding the gold that it is made with. It is actually twenty four karat gold that is .9999 fine – something that makes it incredibly valuable and therefore contributes to the high price that one has to pay to purchase one. In fact, when it went on sale in 2009, the US Mint put an initial price tag of $1,189 on each coin – something that still did not dissuade coin enthusiasts from making the purchase. In fact, on the day of release there were people waiting for up to an hour on the phone in order to make a purchase – even though the delivery time was estimated to be from six to nine months.
When it comes to the size of the coin, it is more than double the thickness of most other gold coins that are produced. This means that the coin weighs in at a hefty one-ounce, even though the diameter is similar to standard gold coins. The weight of the coin isn’t just due to the size though – the fact that the coins are made from such high quality gold also adds to this.
This coin was only available to purchase for one year from the US Mint, which means that it is now no longer available. This has led to the coin becoming an even more attractive collector’s piece throughout the numismatist world.