$20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle Returns

Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson has authorized issuance of a 2009 recreation of the 1907 $20 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle ultra-high relief gold coin. Ed Moy, US Mint Director had announced plans in March of 2008 to bring back Saint-Gaudens historic design.

The 2009 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle design will be legal tender, made of 24 karat gold with unlimited mintage for only the one year of 2009 and produced only in the business strike finish with only a one ounce version.

Announced design changes for the 2009 Saint Gaudens aren't believed to adversely impact the original design and updates the gold coin from 1907.

Secretary Paulson has directed that 50 stars be on the obverse to honor the 50 current states rather than the 46 stars of the original released in 1907. As like the original 1907 design, raised edge lettering featuring the inscription "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of Many, One) with the stars delimiting the letters.

The mint has also decided to adopt the Roman numerals MMIX, 2009, which is similar in style to Augustus Saint-Gaudens' original style for the year. As required by law on all US coinage, "In God We Trust" appears on the reverse of the new gold coin.

The announcement by the Mint said also, "In most respects, the new legal tender gold coin will authentically reproduce the ultra-high relief gold piece. The obverse design (heads side) will be based on the obverse of the original Saint-Gaudens design executed in 1907. The reverse (tails side) also will be based on those pieces and will include 14 sun rays."

Those familiar with the Gold Eagle bullion coins minted since 2006 are familiar with Saint Gaudens design because a version of it appears on the obverse of those gold coins. This new Saint Gaudens Double Eagle should be a great hit with all collectors and a quick seller. 2009 looks to be a great year for collectors.