When it comes to beautiful coins, few in the world can match the charm and elegance of the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle. It’s not just a coin—it’s a piece of art, a slice of history, and a symbol of American craftsmanship. Created during a time of great change, this coin was the result of a bold idea by a U.S. president, brought to life by one of the world’s most famous sculptors. Today, it’s considered one of the greatest coins ever made—not just because it’s rare and valuable, but because it represents a true collaboration between art and money. Let’s explore how this extraordinary coin came to be, and why collectors see it as a masterpiece.
Coin Name: 1907 Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle ($20 Gold Coin)
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is a $20 gold coin designed by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It was commissioned by President Theodore Roosevelt, who wanted to improve the beauty of American coins. He believed coins should reflect the greatness of the nation, and he admired the fine artistic styles of ancient Greek coins. Roosevelt reached out to Saint-Gaudens to design a new $20 gold coin—known as the Double Eagle. The result was breathtaking. The front (obverse) of the coin shows Lady Liberty holding a torch and olive branch, walking with strength and grace. The back (reverse) shows a powerful eagle flying high above the sun.
Saint-Gaudens used an ultra high relief design, which means the images were raised deeply above the surface of the coin. The details were so sharp and lifelike, the coin looked like a miniature sculpture. However, this design was difficult to produce. It took multiple strikes on the press just to make one coin, which made the process slow and expensive.
Why This Coin Became a Masterpiece
There are several reasons why this coin is considered a masterpiece:
- Artistic Design: The design by Saint-Gaudens is often called the most beautiful ever used on a U.S. coin.
- Historical Importance: It was part of a major effort to upgrade American coinage, led by President Roosevelt himself.
- Ultra High Relief: The deep and detailed sculpting technique made the coin stand out—but also made it hard to produce.
- Rarity: With only about 20 known examples, it’s one of the rarest U.S. coins.
- Collector Demand: Serious coin collectors and museums compete to own it.
In recent years, one of these coins sold for over $3 million, and others have reached similar prices at auction.
How It Changed Coin Design Forever
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle was the start of a new era in American coin design. Even though the ultra high relief version was too difficult to mass-produce, a lower-relief version was created later that same year. That design remained on the $20 gold coin until 1933.
The Saint-Gaudens design also inspired later coins, including the modern American Gold Eagle, which still uses a version of Lady Liberty from the 1907 design.
This coin showed that money could also be art. It set a new standard and inspired a generation of engravers and designers.
Table: Quick Facts – 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coin Name | 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle |
| Denomination | $20 Gold |
| Designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
| Minted Year | 1907 |
| Relief Type | Ultra High Relief |
| Metal Composition | 90% Gold, 10% Copper |
| Known Examples | Around 20 |
| Highest Auction Price | Over $3 million |
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle is more than just a rare gold coin—it’s a symbol of what happens when creativity and vision come together. Designed by a master artist and inspired by a determined president, this coin changed the way people look at money. Its beauty, rarity, and historical value make it one of the most celebrated coins in the world. Whether you’re a coin collector, a history lover, or just someone who appreciates fine art, this coin tells a powerful story. It reminds us that even a small object like a coin can carry big meaning—and leave a lasting mark on history.
FAQ’s:
Q1. Who designed the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle?
A1. The coin was designed by the famous American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, under the request of President Theodore Roosevelt.
Q2. Why is it called “Ultra High Relief”?
A2. “Ultra high relief” means the images on the coin are raised deeply above the surface, giving it a 3D sculpted look. This made the coin more artistic but harder to produce.
Q3. How many 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagles were made?
A3. Only around 20 examples were struck by the U.S. Mint before the design was changed to a lower relief version.
Q4. How much is this coin worth today?
A4. One example of the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle has sold for over $3 million at auction, depending on condition and provenance.
Q5. Can regular people own this coin?
A5. Yes, but they are extremely rare and expensive. Most are owned by private collectors or museums. You would need to buy one through a major auction.