What Is a High Relief Coin vs. an Ultra High Relief Coin?

High relief coins represent a distinct category within numismatics, captivating collectors with their pronounced three-dimensional designs. These coins are miniature works of art that transcend typical flatness. Their unique visual and tactile qualities set them apart in coin design and collection.

Defining High Relief

The term “high relief” in coinage refers to design elements that rise significantly above the coin’s flat background, known as the field. This characteristic creates a sculptural, three-dimensional appearance, allowing for greater depth and detail in the imagery. Unlike standard or low-relief coins, where designs are only slightly raised, high-relief coins exhibit a more pronounced protrusion, giving them a distinct visual and tactile presence.

Ultra-high relief coins take this characteristic a step further, with images elevated even higher above the surface, intensifying their sculptural effect. This heightened dimension makes these coins feel more like medallions or small sculptures than conventional currency. Their elevated design often prevents easy stacking, as images may extend beyond the outer edge.

The Minting Process for High Relief Coins

Creating high-relief coins involves a specialized minting process that differs considerably from standard production. To achieve the desired raised design, these coins typically require higher striking pressure and multiple strikes. This meticulous approach ensures every detail is sharply defined.

Production often uses specialized dies designed to withstand immense pressure and repeated strikes. This intensive process can lead to increased die wear and a slower production rate compared to low-relief coins. Modern technology, including digital design, has made it easier to produce these intricate designs.

The labor-intensive and precise nature of producing high-relief coins makes them generally more expensive than standard coins. For instance, the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle required up to nine strikes from a hydraulic press, which made mass production impractical at the time. Modern techniques, such as using 24-karat gold which is more malleable, have improved the feasibility of striking such designs.

Historical and Modern Examples

The concept of high-relief coinage dates back to ancient civilizations, with ancient Greek coins being particularly renowned for their sculptural quality. Early examples, such as the decadrachms of Syracuse or the Athenian Owl tetradrachms, were often struck by hand, allowing for significant artistic emphasis and intricate details. These early high-relief coins have retained their beauty over centuries, contributing to their desirability among collectors.

In modern numismatics, President Theodore Roosevelt played a significant role in revitalizing high-relief designs in American coinage. His vision led to the creation of the 1907 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, which aimed to reflect the artistic excellence of ancient Greek coins. Although the original 1907 coin was difficult to produce in large quantities due to its high relief, it laid the groundwork for future designs.

A prominent modern example is the U.S. Mint’s 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin, which paid homage to Saint-Gaudens’ original vision. This coin, struck in one ounce of 24-karat gold, utilized advanced minting technology to achieve its pronounced ultra-high relief. Other modern high-relief issues include the 2015 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin, which was the first U.S. gold coin with a $100 denomination to be released in high relief.