The Coin That Transcends Collecting
The 2009 Ultra High Relief $20 Gold Coin stands as the U.S. Mint's most celebrated modern release—a numismatic achievement that transcends typical coin collecting to become a work of sculptural art. This coin represents the fulfillment of Augustus Saint-Gauders' original 1907 vision, which President Theodore Roosevelt championed but which remained technically impossible until modern minting technology made it feasible 102 years later.
Three-Dimensional Presence
Struck on a massive 4mm-thick planchet in one full troy ounce of .9999 pure 24-karat gold, this coin required multiple strikes under extreme pressure to achieve the sculptural depth Saint-Gauders intended. The result is breathtaking: Liberty emerges with three-dimensional presence, the Capitol building shows realistic perspective, and every design element—from the rays of the rising sun to the individual stars—displays crisp definition.
The Apex of the Population
This particular example represents the apex of the 2009 UHR population: MS70 Deep Mirror Prooflike from NGC. The "Deep Mirror Prooflike" designation indicates reflective surfaces so intense they approach proof-level brilliance, creating dramatic visual impact and exceptional eye appeal.
Featured in the Reference Work, Signed by History
The Modern Numismatic Masterpieces label provides "book coin" status from Stephen Pfeil's authoritative reference work, while Anna Cabral's hand-signed autograph connects this coin to U.S. Treasury history during the very year of its release.
