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The Certified 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle MS70 PCGS First Strike is one of the most stunning modern U.S. gold coins ever struck, combining classical design with cutting-edge minting technology. Inspired by the original 1907 Saint-Gaudens double eagle, this coin was a project of exceptional ambition and technical achievement by the United States Mint. It revives the legacy of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ visionary design in a one-ounce, .9999 fine gold format, and in ultra high relief—bringing unprecedented depth and dimensionality to a beloved American numismatic icon. Graded MS70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and designated as a First Strike, this example represents perfection in both form and timing.
The origin of the Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle dates back to the early 20th century when President Theodore Roosevelt sought to beautify American coinage. He commissioned acclaimed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the $20 double eagle. Saint-Gaudens envisioned a high-relief masterpiece that mirrored the grandeur of ancient coinage. However, technical limitations at the U.S. Mint in 1907 made the ultra high relief version impractical for mass production. Only a small number of experimental pieces were struck before the design was flattened into a more producible version. It wasn’t until 2009—over a century later—that the Mint, aided by modern technology, could finally bring Saint-Gaudens’ original vision to the public in full realization.
The obverse of the 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle features a full-length figure of Liberty striding forward with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Behind her, rays of sunlight burst from the horizon with the U.S. Capitol building visible to her lower left. The word “LIBERTY” arches above the scene, and the year “MMIX” appears in Roman numerals to the right. This high-relief adaptation breathes life into the original design, adding depth to every fold of Liberty’s gown and every ray of light behind her. The visual impact is breathtaking and far more sculptural than traditional bullion issues.
The reverse showcases a majestic eagle in flight, carrying an olive branch, a design also created by Saint-Gaudens but never before used on circulating U.S. coinage. The eagle soars above the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The denomination, “TWENTY DOLLARS,” is prominently placed at the bottom. The relief on the reverse is equally dramatic, giving the eagle a dynamic sense of movement and power as it glides across a concave field, perfectly marrying design and surface curvature.
Each 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold coin was struck at the West Point Mint using a specialized process. The planchets were made of 24-karat gold (.9999 fine) and weighed exactly one troy ounce. The coins were struck multiple times using extra pressure to achieve their remarkable three-dimensional quality. This ultra high-relief format required precision alignment and state-of-the-art dies to reproduce Saint-Gaudens' artwork in exquisite detail. The coin's diameter is 27 mm—smaller than the standard American Gold Eagle—which adds to its sculptural thickness and impact. The edge is lettered with the motto “* * * UNITED STATES OF AMERICA * * *” in raised relief, another nod to classic coinage traditions.
The United States Mint released these coins exclusively in 2009, and only one type was issued: the one-ounce gold piece with no mintmark, struck to brilliant uncirculated standards. Although there was no mintage limit, the Mint closed sales on December 31, 2009, capping total distribution at just over 114,000 coins. Demand was high among collectors and gold investors alike, thanks to the coin’s classical design, technical brilliance, and relatively low availability. No Proof or fractional versions were ever struck, making the 2009 issue a true one-year-only masterpiece.
The MS70 grade from PCGS signifies that the coin is in absolute perfect condition, with no post-production imperfections visible under 5x magnification. Surfaces are flawless, the strike is full and sharp, and luster is complete and undisturbed. The First Strike designation adds further desirability, certifying that the coin was received by PCGS within 30 days of the U.S. Mint’s release. These early-release coins are particularly prized by collectors for their timely acquisition and pristine condition, often commanding a premium in the marketplace.
The coin’s concave surfaces and ultra high-relief features make it especially susceptible to handling marks, which makes a flawless MS70 grade all the more impressive. The intricate details of Liberty’s face, torch, and flowing gown, as well as the feathered realism of the eagle on the reverse, are all perfectly preserved in such a specimen. The coin’s bold strike and vibrant, satiny finish radiate sophistication and depth—making it an exceptional display piece in any high-end collection.
The 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle MS70 PCGS First Strike appeals to multiple segments of the numismatic market. It’s a vital acquisition for collectors of modern U.S. Mint issues, Saint-Gaudens enthusiasts, and gold bullion investors who appreciate artistic excellence. Its one-year-only status and connection to a century-old vision give it unique historical resonance. Furthermore, its ultra high-relief format distinguishes it visually and technically from all other American gold coinage—making it a cornerstone of any 21st-century U.S. gold collection.
In sum, the Certified 2009 Ultra High Relief Gold American Eagle MS70 PCGS First Strike is a numismatic triumph that finally fulfilled Theodore Roosevelt’s dream and Saint-Gaudens’ original vision. Struck from one ounce of pure gold and finished to perfection, it fuses art, history, and technology in a single breathtaking coin. With its limited availability, perfect grade, and prestigious First Strike designation, it stands as a benchmark of modern American coinage and an enduring legacy of classic U.S. artistry reimagined for a new era.