The 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle is one of the most famous coins in American history. Known for its beautiful design and rarity, this coin is a must-know for anyone interested in money or history. Minted over a hundred years ago, it combines artistic skill with significant cultural value. In this article, we’ll explore the background, design features, rarity, and importance of this unique coin.
Historical Background
In the early 1900s, the U.S. Mint wanted to create coins that looked beautiful and represented American ideals. President Theodore Roosevelt was a big supporter of this idea. He wanted coins that were more than just money; he wanted them to be works of art. To achieve this, he hired a talented sculptor named Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign some coins, including the gold eagle.
Design Features
Overview of Design Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Obverse | Shows Lady Liberty in a flowing dress with a sun behind her, symbolizing strength and freedom. |
| Reverse | Features an eagle in flight, representing the spirit of America, with the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the coin’s value. |
| Ultra High Relief | The images are raised higher than normal, giving it a three-dimensional look, which enhances the coin’s beauty. |
The Front Side (Obverse)
The obverse (the front side) of the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle shows Lady Liberty. She is depicted in a flowing dress, standing tall with a glowing sun behind her. This design symbolizes strength and freedom, reflecting the values of the nation at that time. Many people consider it one of the best representations of Liberty in U.S. coinage.
The Back Side (Reverse)
On the reverse (the back side) of the coin, you’ll find a striking image of an eagle in flight. This eagle represents the spirit of America. It is shown soaring with its wings spread wide, symbolizing freedom and power. The words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (which means “Out of many, one”) and the coin’s value are also featured on this side, making the design both beautiful and meaningful.
The Ultra High Relief
What makes this coin truly special is its ultra high relief. This means that the images on the coin are raised higher than usual, giving it a three-dimensional look. This deep engraving makes the coin stand out and gives it a unique feel. However, this design was tricky to make, causing problems during the minting process and resulting in only a small number of coins being produced.
Rarity and Value
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle was made in a very limited number, with around 12,000 coins minted. Because so few were made, and due to its stunning design, this coin is very rare. Many coins from this series were not struck perfectly, making even fewer examples that collectors want to buy. As a result, the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle is one of the most valuable coins today. Some have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions, with some going for over a million dollars!
Importance in Numismatics
In the world of coin collecting (called numismatics), the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle holds a special place. It shows a change in how coins were made in America, emphasizing beauty alongside functionality. This coin represents a collaboration between talented artists and government leaders who wanted to elevate U.S. coin design.
Collectors and historians admire this coin not just for its value but for what it represents. It connects us to a time when art and money combined to create something beautiful. The 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle is not just a piece of currency; it is a symbol of American history and creativity.
Conclusion
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle is more than just an old coin; it is a significant part of American heritage. Its remarkable design, limited availability, and cultural importance make it a true treasure in the world of numismatics. For collectors and history enthusiasts alike, owning this coin is a dream come true. As we look at the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle, we appreciate not only its artistic beauty but also its role in shaping American coinage. This coin reminds us of the country’s values and the passion for creating art that reflects those ideals.
FAQ’s
What is the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle?
The 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle is a famous American coin known for its beautiful design and high relief. It features Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle on the back. Minted in 1907, it was designed by artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens and is highly sought after by collectors.
Why is the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle so rare?
This coin is rare because only about 12,000 were minted, and many were poorly struck. The ultra high relief design made it difficult to produce, leading to fewer coins in excellent condition. As a result, it is highly valued in the numismatic community.
How much is the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle worth today?
The value of the 1907 Ultra High Relief Gold Eagle can vary widely based on its condition. Some coins have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, while well-preserved examples can fetch over a million dollars at auctions.