Ultra High Relief Shipments Resume, Gold Coin Prices Rise

For those wondering when, if ever, their 2009 Ultra High Relief $20 Double Eagle gold coin would ship from the United States Mint, the answer looks to be sooner versus later, based on a new Mint notice posted at its online shopping center. In fact, the Mint says the coins are now shipping:

Many collectors who purchased the modern day recreation of the famed Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ designed 1907 $20 Double Eagle have expressed strong displeasure with the Mint over the confusion, delay and mystery surrounding their order. The latest announcement may help dissipate some of the anger, provided it becomes reality.

Gold coin price increase

In other gold coin news, prices will soon rise according to the Mint’s new pricing policy. The London fixing for gold from last Thursday a.m. to Wednesday a.m. has pushed the average price of gold above $950 an ounce, and that kicks in an upward coin price shift on Thursday, Feb. 25.

First Spouse Gold Coins will rise $25, the 2009 Ultra High Relief by $50 and the final remaining 1/2 oz 2008-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle by $25 — if it doesn’t sellout beforehand, as the eagle now has a backorder shipping date indicative of a dwindling inventory.

In its previous two price adjustments, the Mint suspended gold coin sales late on Wednesday, adjusted prices and then resumed sales Thursday morning around 10:10 a.m. (ET).

[Editor's update: In unusual fashion and throwing aside the guidelines set in its pricing policy, the United States Mint raised prices nearly a day early (around 1:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday). The 1/2 oz gold eagle sold out Wednesday morning.]