2009 Ultra High Relief Finally Shipping

The 2009 $20 Ultra High Relief coins are shipping at last! Two weeks ago, the U.S. Mint was still sending e-mails indicating different ship dates for the coins.

Some of the first coins received by PCGS were sent in a box along with a book featuring the 2009 Ultra High Relief coin (see images). Coincidentally, the first examples graded by PCGS were assigned the perfect MS70 grade.

I personally inspected one of the first coins, and it was beautifully struck and truly a great numismatic creation by the United States Mint. The coin stood easily on its incredibly thick edge and was very nicely detailed on both the obverse and the reverse.

Inserted in the box is a certificate of authenticity detailing the coin's specifications as follows:

After last week, PCGS has received many more 2009 Ultra High Relief coins for grading. The phone lines have been extremely busy with customers calling in and asking when the First Strike cutoff date is. Terri Gilbert, a veteran PCGS Customer Service Representative, said, "I cannot remember the last time I received so many calls regarding a single coin."

To clarify, the cutoff date for receiving a PCGS First Strike designation was March 11.

At PCGS, our graders are having a great time looking at all of these magnificent coins. For those of you who ordered an Ultra High Relief coin, we hope you are also enjoying this modern Mint masterpiece.