🏆 The Most Beautiful Coin in American History
At PennyVerse, we’re featuring what collectors call “the Mona Lisa of U.S. coins” — the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle 🦅.
This $20 gold masterpiece isn’t just currency — it’s art in motion, designed by the legendary sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
💎 With only about 20 pieces known to exist, one of these magnificent coins sold for a staggering $3.6 million at auction!
🔍 How to Identify This Numismatic Treasure
(Tip: Use a magnifying glass or zoom in on high-resolution photos when checking your coin!)
🪙 Obverse (Front) – Lady Liberty in 3D Glory
- Walking Liberty: A graceful, sculptural pose with flowing drapery
- Ultra High Relief: The design stands 2.5× higher than normal coins
- Key Details:
🔹 Torch and olive branch in each hand
🔹 46 stars for the U.S. states in 1907
🔹 Sun rays bursting behind Lady Liberty
🦅 Reverse (Back) – Eagle in Flight
- Dramatic Sunburst: Radiating beams form a glowing halo effect
- Incredible Depth: Wings look ready to lift off the coin
- Edge Lettering: Boldly engraved “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
💡 Fun Fact: Each coin needed 9–11 strikes from the press to achieve the ultra-high relief effect — most coins only need one!
💰 Why It’s Worth $3.6 Million
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Artistic Merit | Widely regarded as the most beautiful U.S. coin ever made |
| Production Nightmare | Extremely hard to mint – nearly all were melted |
| Historical Importance | Commissioned by President Teddy Roosevelt himself |
| Collector Demand | The “Holy Grail” of American gold coins |
📜 Auction Record: A PCGS-graded 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle sold for $3,600,000 at Heritage Auctions (2021).
🕵️♂️ 5 Steps to Authenticate One
Think you’ve found a 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle? Here’s how experts verify them:
- Relief Test: Check the coin’s depth — it should cast clear shadows when tilted.
- Weight Check: Must weigh 33.436g (1.075 oz) of 90% gold.
- Edge Inspection: Look for raised lettering that reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
- Die Analysis: Professionals compare tiny die markers under magnification.
- PCGS/NGC Submission: Only certified coins command top dollar.
🚨 Found One? Do NOT Clean It!
Even a fingerprint can reduce its value by thousands 😱
✅ Handle with cotton gloves
✅ Keep in a climate-controlled safe
✅ Contact Heritage Auctions or a trusted numismatic expert immediately
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