2009 (MMIX) Ultra High Relief Double Eagle "Saint-Gaudens' Vision" – PCGS MS70, Sabin Autograph
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Saint-Gaudens' Vision, realized: A triumph of modern minting, this coin finally achieves the "ultra-high relief" vision that artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens intended for his 1907 masterpiece, made possible by 21st-century technology.
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A Modern Numismatic Masterpiece: Struck multiple times with immense pressure, this one ounce .9999 fine gold coin features a sculptural depth of up to 4mm, lifting the design off the surface in a way no other U.S. coin does.
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Historic and Artistic Details: This coin features the date in Roman numerals ("MMIX") and 50 stars instead of the 46 on the original 1907 issue, faithfully adapting the classic design for the modern era.
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Signature of a Grading Industry Leader: This coin is personally hand-signed by Stephanie Sabin, the former President of PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service). Her signature on this artistic marvel represents the ultimate "insider's" endorsement of its quality and importance.
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The Pinnacle of Mint State Perfection: Graded a flawless MS70 by PCGS, the highest grade possible. A perfect grade ensures that the coin's breathtaking relief and intricate details are completely free of any imperfections.
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A "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Release: Struck for one year only at the West Point Mint, this coin's complex production limited its availability, cementing its status as a special, non-repeating issue that ignited collector passion worldwide.
An Insider's Mark on a Numismatic Renaissance
This is where classic art meets cutting-edge technology, endorsed by the pinnacle of the industry. The 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is what Stephen from Global Coin calls "Saint-Gaudens reborn"—a dream the U.S. Mint couldn’t fulfill in 1907 but nailed a century later. This specimen is the ultimate expression of that achievement. Certified as a flawless MS70 by PCGS, its quality is as breathtaking as its relief. This artistic triumph is then crowned by the signature of Stephanie Sabin, creating a powerful trifecta of artistic vision, technical perfection, and unparalleled provenance.
A Design That Leaps Off the Coin
This coin must be seen to be believed. Using Saint-Gaudens' original plaster models, the U.S. Mint digitally recreated his design with breathtaking fidelity. The result is a coin with stunning three-dimensionality. On the obverse, Liberty’s gown billows as she strides forward, her form rising dramatically from the coin's surface. On the reverse, the soaring eagle’s feathers are rendered in exquisite, layered detail. The satin finish accentuates every curve and contour, creating a pocket-sized sculpture in pure gold.
Why Collect This Coin?
The appeal of this coin is its status as a landmark achievement in the history of the U.S. Mint. It is a masterpiece that bridges a century of numismatic evolution. It combines three powerful pillars that make it a cornerstone of any collection:
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A Perfect Coin: A flawless MS70 grade on the most artistically ambitious U.S. coin of the modern era.
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A Perfect Story: The 100-year-old dream of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, finally brought to life.
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A Perfect Signature: The former President of PCGS, Stephanie Sabin.
Detailed Overview
Introduction to the Coin: A century after Augustus Saint-Gaudens created his legendary 1907 Double Eagle, the U.S. Mint used his original plaster casts and advanced 21st-century technology to finally create the coin as he had always envisioned it: in stunning ultra-high relief. Struck in one ounce of .9999 fine gold, the 2009 Ultra High Relief was a "once-in-a-lifetime" issue that captivated the numismatic world and became an instant classic.
The Significance of the autograph: Stephanie Sabin served as President of PCGS, one of the world's leading third-party coin grading services. Her role placed her at the apex of the coin certification industry. Her authentic, hand-signed autograph on a PCGS holder is the ultimate endorsement of that coin's quality and authenticity.