To the excitement - and frustration - of collectors, the 2009 Ultra-High-Relief Saint-Gaudens gold $20 went on sale from the U.S. Mint at noon EST on Jan. 22. Online delays as long as an hour and a half were reported at the opening of the order period.

The original price was set at $1,189, but this could fluctuate weekly based on the price of gold bullion, according to the Mint's recently instated pricing structure.

The Mint says production of the coin is subject to the availability of gold blanks, and delivery could take six to nine months. Orders are currently limited to one coin per household.

The Ultra-High-Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin is a digitally reproduced version of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens' original ultra-high-relief 1907 Double Eagle gold piece, never issued into circulation. On the coin's obverse, Saint-Gaudens shows Liberty, personified by a statuesque woman striding forward. A young eagle flying during a sunrise is depicted on the reverse.

The 2009 coin is updated to reflect the year in Roman numerals. Four stars were added to represent the last four states admitted to the Union. The inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST" and a small border were also added. "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is featured in raised lettering on the edge of the coin, with each letter separated by a star.

Information about the most current pricing will be posted online at http://catalog.usmint.gov/. To get in the ordering line, call (800) USA MINT or visit the Mint's Web site. Because of possible fluctuations in pricing, the Mint will not be accepting any mail orders.