New Double Eagle to Debut in 2009

On Friday, the U.S. Mint announced that it has received authorization from Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson to issue a one-ounce ultra-high relief 24-karat gold coin in 2009 based on the 1907 Double Eagle designed by Augustus St. Gaudens. Mintage of the new St. Gaudens style Double Eagle will be unlimited for one year.

There are only provisions for a 2009 dated coin, though sales may continue in 2010 should the coin still be in stock. The coin will be 27 millimeters thick, more than 50% thicker than other U.S. 24 karat gold coins, to allow for the ultra-high relief strike.

Thought the design will be based on the St. Gaudens design of 1907, there will be some differences to the original. On the obverse, there will be 50 stars, instead of the 46 in 1907. The coin will also contain the Roman numerals "MMIX" (2009) and the reverse will have "In God We Trust" since it is required by current law.

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