Coin Blog

In January 2009, the United States Mint will release what has been called the "Nation's most beautiful coin." This is Augustus Saint Gaudens' Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle. The coin was originally designed for the

The Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle was a coin originally designed by Augustus Saint Gaudens for the $20 Gold Double Eagle coin. Unfortunately, the technology of his era did not allow a coin of such high relief to be mass produced. As a result, a lower relief version was used. With modern technology, Saint Gaudens' artistic vision can finally be realized.

There will be several notable alterations to the the classic design. The obverse of the coin will carry the Roman Numeral date MMIX for 2009 and the number of stars will be increased from 46 to 50. The reverse of the coin will have the motto "In God We Trust" added between the sun and its rays. Coins will be struck on .9999 fine gold with a diameter of 27 millimeters and thickness of 4 millimeters.

The Mint's intention to recreate the coin was first mentioned on March 13, 2008. The announcement was positively reveiced by coin collectors and buzz for the new offering started to build. On July 30, 2008 the designs were revealed at the ANA World's Fair of Money. Recently on November 24, 2008 the first coins were struck at the West Point Mint.

The coins are expected to be available for sale to the public in January 2009. The exact date, as well as the pricing and ordering information have not yet been announced. Images of the coin appear below!

Next year the US Mint will begin a new series known as Native American Dollars. This series is actually somewhat of a replacement/continuation of the previous Sacagawea Dollar coin series.

The Native American Dollars will feature the obverse design of the Sacagawea Dollar plus reverse designs which will change each year. The reverse designs will celebrate the history and contributions of Native Americans by portraying figures and events from their history and culture.

Interestingly, the coins will circulate along side the Presidential Dollar coins. The authorizing legislation for the new series stipulates that 20% of all dollar coins produced must be Native American Dollars.

The first design for the new series was just released. It was designed and sculpted by Norman E. Nemeth and features a Native American woman planting seeds in a field. Visible are corn, bean, and squash plants, representing the Three Sisters method of planting. The full design appears below:

Today the US Mint unveiled the designs for the highly anticipated 2009 Lincoln Commemorative Silver Dollar. The release comes on the 145th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

On hand for the unveiling were historical documentary director Ken Burns, Lincoln Fellowship Vice President Ronald Hankey, ALBC Co-Chairman Harold Holzer, and US Mint Deputy Director Andrew Brunhart.

The obverse design features an image of Lincoln which displays his incredible strength and resolve. It was designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Don Everhart. The reverse features the final words of the Gettysburg Address.

The designs are presented here, large and in full:

The United States Mint is scheduled to unveil the design for the 2009 Lincoln Commemorative Coin this Wednesday. The unveiling will take place during Dedication Day Ceremony in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Notably this will also mark the anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address.

Most people are aware of the special 2009 Lincoln Cent coins which will be released next year with four different designs representing the various stages of the President's life. Many people may not be aware that a special commemorative silver dollar will also be issued.

The designs for the penny have already been released, but the design for the commemorative coin is still a mystery. Based on the authorizing legislation, the design will be emblematic of the life and legacy of President Lincoln. Coins will be issued in a quantity of up to 500,000 coins minted in 90% silver.

Personally, I am very excited about the upcoming commemorative program. I look forward to seeing the design later this week!

Yesterday, the US Mint released the design images for next year's Presidential Dollar coin releases. The 2009 coins will feature William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk, and Zachary Taylor. Compared to prior releases, these are some relatively lesser known presidents.  The first president to be honored, William Henry Harrison, actually only served 32 days in office before his death in 1841.

Below are the designs for the 2009 Presidential Dollars in the order of release:

William Henry Harrison Presidential Dollar

John Tyler Presidential Dollar

James K. Polk Presidential Dollar

Zachary Taylor Presidential Dollar