Kicking off a yearlong celebration of its 225th anniversary, the United States Mint unveiled the 2017 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin in a ceremony today at the Department of Treasury in Washington, D.C.
Highlights of the 225th anniversary coin include an ounce of .9999 fine gold, an increased level of detail, a proof finish, raised edge lettering with stars, and a 1792-2017 duel date.
Then there is the design. Its obverse or heads side depicts Liberty as an African-American woman, facing left, wearing a crown of stars in homage to the bronze Statue of Freedom topping the dome of the U.S. Capitol, representing the traditional hopeful ideas of liberty while offering a hint of the possibilities that the future may hold.
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U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Justin Kunz created the portrait while U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill sculpted it. Their initials, JK and PH, appear on the design along with surrounding inscriptions of LIBERTY, the years 1792 and 2017, and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.
The reverse or tails side depicts an American eagle in flight with circling inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, 100 DOLLARS, and 1OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD. Toward the bottom left is a ‘W’ mintmark, denoting its production at the U.S. Mint facility in West Point, New York.
Initials of CTC and MG complete the artwork, representing U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Chris T. Costello and U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso.
Adding to its collectible appeal, edges of the high-relief gold coin show raised lettering of 225TH ANNIVERSARY and 13 five-point stars.
After reviewing candidates, the Commission of Fine Arts and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee recommended both designs in March 2016.
The 24-karat gold coin is scheduled to launch sometime in the spring. Companion silver medals with the same designs should follow by summertime. It extends the high-relief $100 series, with the first issue in 2015 capturing sales of more than 49,000. Two silver medals followed in 2016 and quickly sold out.
The April 2, 1792 Act of Congress authorized Bureau of the Mint and the construction of its first building in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Update (Jan 12): In a news release, the U.S. Mint announced that the 225th anniversary gold coin will launch on April 6. In addition, the bureau said the coin is:
"The first in a series of 24-karat gold coins that will feature designs which depict an allegorical Liberty in a variety of contemporary forms-including designs representing Asian-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, and Indian-Americans among others-to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the United States. These 24-karat gold coins will be issued biennially."
The news release also stated that the gold piece will ship in a custom designed, black wood presentation case along with a 225th anniversary booklet and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Update (Jan 13): The United States Mint published a video showing production stages of the gold coin, as well as some completed examples in their packaging. The Mint’s footage is embedded below.
@ one fine dime …………. and why don`t YOU go back to darkest AFRICA !!!
“go back” niggy?! never been. and my ancestors are from eastern europe. how bout you?
You dunce, your ancestors are Africans. Black africans were the first people. You came from African genes. Africans created and mutated you. Go learn the history that has obviously been hidden from you. Need books, I can help with that. Check youtube. Read Herodotus and the book of the beginnings.
Why do you think you are in Iraq, and Afghanistan fighting a war? It is not about oil❗️Look at the banned travel countries. It not about Islam, it is about the Mohammedans.
Eastern european? Who do you think Thor was?
This is a ugly design forced on the Mint by the last administration. This design is another divisive wedge to cause our country to either be for it or ageist it based on race. The socialist have done this with immigration, speech, religion, gender and even law enforcement This is promoted and advanced by the main stream media’s false, fake, distorted and slanted stories. Along with 47 percent of population on the dole from the state and feds. who don’t want to lose their free tax money. This design along with other minorities that are going to be put on… Read more »
Nick, what you write is patently absurd. First of all, the “last administration” didn’t force this design on the US Mint. Next, there’s nothing divisive about the design, only your attitude is divisive. Third, “the socialists” have nothing to do with this design. Additionally, the MSM isn’t part of the decision making process…no need to even bring the MSM into this discussion. Finally, that you clearly seem to hate that a black woman is on a coin is your shortcoming and deficit alone. It’s finally time for you to grow up, Nick.
Agree with you Sir
I think the coin is ugly.
Those stars make it look comical.
Think I will pass on this one.
Can’t wait for Thursday‼️
I bought one and the 2018 Tenth oz. I understand that they have alot of the 2017 1oz. Coins left. Anybody know how many? Thank you.
We’re all going to “Under new Ownership” in the next 10yrs or so, it really doesn’t matter.
Gentleman I thought this crap was over and done with. Apparently it isn’t. But, it should be. It’s over, let it go and move on. What I would like to know is how many of the 100,000 minted have been sold and what does the proposed 2019 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 first moon landing going to look like? Can anybody tell me?
Thank you.
“Hey Joe” is a great song from one of the best guitar players of all time.
Yes it is butt freaking ugly stupid looking coin along with the new platinum one. The mint has lost it touch due to trying to please the liberal left.
You all have lost touch with reality and the way things are. IT’S OVER AND DONE WITH DEAL WITH IT!!!! It’s late April 2018 and other Countries are reading the dissention in our Country and laughing at us.
For the third time, how many of these coins remain unsold and what does the 2019 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing coin look like. Grow up foe God’s sake. All of you on ” Both Sides of the Coin” stop acting like Children.
Danny,
You appear to be posting in the wrong thread. This thread is specifically about a particular coin and people are entitled to their opinion even if you disagree with them or if their opinion is ridiculous as is the opinions in this thread that suggest that the 2017 AL coin is some sort of politically correct Liberal conspiracy of some sort. Even absurd opinions like that are welcome in my book.
Have a nice day.
Any mint errors surface in the 2017 yet? I saw a few on the 2015. Just curious. Thanks
I have not heard of any errors in this coin
I know exactly where I’m posting and what it is I’m posting anout. Thank you.