Secretary of the Treasury Henry Paulson announced that pursuant to Public Law: 31 U.S.C. § 5112(i)(4) the United States Mint will issue a one-ounce ultra-high relief 24-karat gold coin, creating a 2009 version of what many have called the most beautiful gold piece ever made: the Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens $20 Double Eagle.

Aided by advancements in technology, the United States Mint now can produce, in quantity, the ultra high relief coin envisioned, but never fully realized, by renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907.

The mintage of the new coin will be unlimited for one year. Among the production specifications approved by Secretary Paulson are the new coin’s business-strike finish and a diameter of 27 millimeters, making the new collectible coin about 50 percent thicker than other United States Mint one-ounce gold coins.

Only 2009-dated coins will be minted. The coins will go on sale in early 2009, although sales may continue into 2010 if inventory exists.

United States Mint Director Ed Moy will participate in the Opening Ceremony of the American Numismatic Association World’s Fair of Money on Wednesday, July 30, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. ET

Visitors will be able to feel the ultra high relief on plasters of the coin that will be featured at the Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin exhibit at the United States Mint booth on the bourse floor at the World’s Fair of Money.

The Obverse: Saint-Gaudens’ Liberty, personified by a statuesque woman striding powerfully forward. Liberty is leading the way with a torch in her front hand and an olive branch in the back hand. The United States Capitol dome is also depicted in the background.

The Reverse & Edge Lettering: A young eagle flying during a sunrise is depicted on the reverse. The motto, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is on the edge of the coin, allowing a cleaner design on the obverse and reverse.