2009 $20 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle PCGS MS69PL signed: Moy/Mercanti w/box

Very desirable coin signed by Edmund C. Moy, former Mint Director, and John Mercanti, who served as the twelfth Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint until his retirement in 2010. The PCGS Population is 43 coins in MS69PL with a mere 20 finer. MS70PL has a Collectors Universe PCGS published price of $10,000; the MS69PL price is $5,300.

This 2009 Ultra-High Relief issue is a return of a classic rarity: the double-thick small diameter patterns designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907. Only two of those patterns exist today and are kept in the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Those patterns have the same weigh as a regular $20 double eagle, but were struck in the diameter of the $10 gold eagle. Thus, they are thicker and smaller in diameter than the normal double eagle.

This offering, the 2009 version, is different from those original patterns because the rim is slightly flattened and does not have the sharp, knife edge seen on the originals. The finish on this modern 2009 version is different from the brilliant proof finish on the original patterns, having more of a satiny look to them. Due to the greater depth of the designs, this Ultra-High relief presents a medallic appearance, which is quite different from that of a normal coin. This striking, unusual look adds to the appeal of this 2009 coin.

The coin holder was signed by John Mercanti, the twelfth Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint (left) and former Mint Director Edmund C. Moy (right). Photos: Wikimedia Commons.