The US Mint has announced that the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin will go on sale at 12:00pm EST on Thursday, 1/22.

It’s unclear what demand for this coin will look like, given its price.  (Likely $1200).  This announcement reflects the new US Mint pricing strategy for precious metals – basically a premium over market price, in buckets.  Still, gold coins continue to exhibit considerable demand, and this is an extremely flattering classicly-designed piece.

You can read more about the coin here on my blog, or here on the US Mint website.

Update (1/20/2009): Found this product page today on US Mint website.  Price is $1189.00, and delivery might take 6-9 months!  Limit one per household.   Talk about delayed gratification.