The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle: In the realm of numismatics, few coins can rival the artistic grandeur and historical significance of the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. Designed by the renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at the behest of President Theodore Roosevelt, this coin embodies a pivotal moment in American coinage. With its breathtaking design, limited mintage, and fascinating backstory, the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle stands as one of the most coveted treasures in the world of rare coins.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle |
| Denomination | $20 Gold Piece |
| Designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
| Commissioned By | President Theodore Roosevelt |
| Historical Context | Part of Roosevelt’s vision to elevate U.S. coinage to artistic excellence |
| Design Features | – Obverse: Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch (enlightenment) and olive branch (peace), U.S. Capitol in background, radiant sunbursts. – Reverse: Majestic eagle in flight above a rising sun, symbolizing national strength and aspirations. |
| Notable Omission | “IN GOD WE TRUST” was absent from the initial design (per Roosevelt’s preference). |
| Challenges & Mintage | – Ultra High Relief design required multiple strikes, making mass production impractical. – Only about 20 pieces were minted. |
| Transition to Lower Relief | Due to striking difficulties, the design was modified to a lower relief version for mass production later in 1907. |
| Auction Record | 2021: Sold for over $4 million. |
| Significance | Represents Roosevelt’s vision for artistic coinage, a landmark in U.S. Mint history, and one of the most beautiful coins ever produced. |
| Collector’s Appeal | Highly coveted due to rarity, historical importance, and stunning design. |
Table of Contents
A Vision for a More Beautiful Coinage
At the turn of the 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt sought to elevate American coinage to the artistic heights of ancient Greek and Roman currency. Dissatisfied with the existing designs, he enlisted the famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create a new series of coins that would reflect the grandeur and ideals of the United States.
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Saint-Gaudens’ vision resulted in the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, a $20 gold piece that was both intricate and revolutionary in its design. However, its remarkable beauty came with a significant challenge—the coin’s extreme relief made it difficult to strike using the U.S. Mint’s standard presses, limiting its practicality for widespread circulation.
Design and Symbolism
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is widely regarded as one of the most stunning coins ever produced. The obverse features a powerful depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. Behind her, the U.S. Capitol is faintly visible, reinforcing the coin’s national significance. The entire image is set against a backdrop of radiant sunbursts, giving the design an almost divine aura.
The reverse showcases a majestic American eagle in flight, soaring above the rising sun—an evocative representation of the nation’s aspirations and strength. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS” encircle the design, while the phrase “IN GOD WE TRUST” was notably absent from the initial version, as per Roosevelt’s preference.
Challenges and Limited Mintage
Despite its artistic brilliance, the Ultra High Relief design posed significant technical difficulties. The depth and intricacy of the engraving required multiple strikes to bring out the full details, making mass production unfeasible. As a result, only a small number of these coins were ever struck—approximately 20 pieces, making them incredibly rare and valuable today.
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Realizing the impracticality of the Ultra High Relief design, the U.S. Mint modified the relief to a more manageable level, eventually settling on a lower relief version that was mass-produced later in 1907 and continued until 1933.
Value and Legacy
Due to their rarity and unmatched artistic merit, 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagles are among the most desirable coins for collectors and historians. When these coins appear at auction, they command astronomical prices. In 2021, an Ultra High Relief specimen sold for over $4 million, underscoring the coin’s legendary status in the numismatic world.
Beyond its monetary value, the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is a lasting testament to Roosevelt’s vision of an American Renaissance in coinage. It also marks a defining moment in the history of the U.S. Mint, pushing the boundaries of what was technically possible at the time.
Conclusion
The 1907 Saint-Gaudens Ultra High Relief Double Eagle remains one of the most celebrated coins in American history. It represents not just an exquisite work of art but also a reflection of the nation’s ambitions at the dawn of the 20th century. With its breathtaking design, historical importance, and extreme rarity, the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle stands as a shining symbol of numismatic excellence, capturing the imagination of collectors and historians alike.
