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 I am sorry you misinterpreted my use of “politically correct” to describe the coin. It is what it is. I merely made the observation of what should be obvious to all in the context of our times. The flaw I see in the design of this coin is the out of proportion star headband. I also said the rest of the obverse was fine, (read lady liberty is fine by me even if a bit historically incorrect (think Greece)) it was a beautiful coin, and that I will purchase it when it becomes available. PC has many… Read more »
Millhouse73 I bet you never voiced your opinion on the attractiveness of the women on these coins until you now see the image of a highly melanated woman on it. And their image certainly didn’t keep you from laying down your money on those coins. You’ve just concocted yourself a long-winded explanation for why you’re not buying this one……You know, in case someone asks why you chose not to buy it. It’s you way of masking over your distate for seeing a melanated person’s image on the coin. But honestly, it’s of little worth your opinion on whether you like… Read more »
Hey Millhouse73! Political correctness means being respectful. You can deny that all you want, but you can’t change it. If to you it means you have to watch yourself (i.e., “tiptoeing around” as you say) because others are often offended by what you say, then I can only guess that you are just a rude person who doesn’t know how to act respectfully. Most people have common sense, and can discern what is racist, misogynist, and just rude, and refrain from talking that way. Maybe you don’t like society having a minimum standard for behavior, maybe that is what makes… Read more »
Let’s all just be clear. When commenters deride this coin and reduce it’s value by saying it exists ONLY because our country is too politically correct, what do you think they are saying? I believe these commenters are saying that some politician has decided we have to appease those who might be offended by NOT minting such a coin. That this coin only exists because there was pressure from non-whites to have others represented. Using the term “politically correct” to deride this coin is really saying that you are really mad that the powers that be yielded to such hypothetical… Read more »
Has nothings to do with what I see around me. I have all different family members of different colors. This is about the coin. I’m not making a fuss about any other coins at the mint. Just that when you the mint goes out of their way to change Lady Liberty it really stirs the pot. Everyone has an opinion and I’m entitled to mine. I also think the stars on Lady Libs head are ridiculous but nobody wants to reply about that. The only words they know how to use are racists and bigots. Who knows maybe everyone is… Read more »
The lady, Armed Freedom, stands atop the capitol. Regard her visage know hertory. She is not new, rather she has always been here watching and protecting.
She is a defender not a greeter. She brings a powerful message about iconography for all. Ponder…..
I will buy two of these — one for each of my daughters. Even if these coins are being minted only for political correctness, they will serve to remind both of my mixed-race girls that they are worth more than diamonds or gold. It’s one more barrier broken. One step closer for all of us. White, black, brown, red or yellow; male or female; cisgender or reassigned; native or immigrant. We are all uplifted when everyone is included. And who knows, someday physical coins may be entirely replaced by bitcoin and only be worth their melt or the time in… Read more »
Demographically speaking who exactly will even be interested in and can afford this coin? Did a rush of minoroties suddenly become interested in ultra fine proof gold coins, a coin that costs more than they likely receive all month in government assistance anyway. This is typical lefty thinking, let’s wreck the whole system just because of a few malcontents who don’t think it’s fair. Wah wah wah..!
WHT ARE ALL THE COMMENTD ON 1-13-2017 MISSING ??????
Hunter, I asked the same question. Into the dustbin of history I assume. As for my take on the design, the finished product came out a lot better than the original drawing, so with that in mind I think it works. I would have preferred Obverse number 7, which depicted a more “heroic” Liberty. You can see for yourself if you care to do the search. But I think this one has good aesthetics, and it makes it’s point. I think that is why this design made the cut.
Chris I think they are missing because ( one fine dime ) was calling everyone who did not go along with the remarks this person was saying are ” absolute imbeciles ” among other sick things have been wiped clean ???? I believe one fine dime is in here to cause problems so watch what everyone posts on here for his posts will stay not the rest ?? Sad but true and I know this will be deleted as well but remember I will never call anyone names for they are just words to get a reaction out of another… Read more »
I honestly believe the color of ones skin has nothing to do with the person but what is in their HEART is the only thing that matters in my life !!!!!! Now if you want to purchase the coin PLEASE do so if not that is ok as well !!!!!!
How do you buy this new coin?
Personally I think the design is beautiful for both sides of the coin, simple and elegant. Unfortunately, the conversation has moved away from why people like or don’t like its artistry to whether it’s politically correct or not. What does that even mean? I don’t care one whiff about political correctness. I care about what’s right. Eichmann, after all, was politically correct, but he wasn’t right. We’ve had foreign rulers, citizens of other countries and people of many different backgrounds on our coins before, including African-Americans. Like all our coins, this one represents the United States and its values. This… Read more »
Well stated, Morgan!
It seems there has been a rush to judgement. The comments for this article have not been swept into the dustbin of history, as I previously stated. If you click on the link with the arrow labeled “previous comments”, just above the first comment. It will take you back to the article, but with the original comments missing. BUT, if you click on it again, it takes you back to the article, with all of the original comments intact. It is probably due to a programming glitch that this disappearing act occurs. So freedom of expression, for good or ill,… Read more »
Chris –
You are right. The “Older Comments” blue section with arrow takes you back to previous posts as it always has when too many comments are posted to fit on one page. The Friday the 13th “mystery” is solved! No censorship here.
-NumisDudeTX
Beautiful coin
Vanda H –
I like your way of thinking about this beautiful, historic gold coin – many meanings for the melting pot of ethnicities that is the great USA. Your two daughters will have a piece of gold art to treasure for a lifetime.
-NumisDudeTX
It’s just a coin; I’m Italian, my wife and son are black and life goes on…..
Chris – Seth
I did as you said but PLEASE tell me where are the comments from:
(one fine dime) January 12, 2017 at 9:13 pm up to (one fine dime) January 14, 2017 at 8:53 am ?????
I clicked on the blue ← Previous Comments and a blank page appeared then I clicked on the ← Previous Comments again then there were comments ????????? AM I MISSING SOMETHING SPECIAL TO CLICK SO I CAN SEE THE COMMENTS I LISTED BETWEEN THE ONES I HAVE LISTED ???????
Patrick
I said the same thing you said in a little different way about 3:30am on 1-13-2017 this morning but it seems to have vanished so I am happy to see you said it again !!!!! Color has nothing to do with the coin so buy it or not it is everyone’s choice but remember this coin will bring a cost over $1600.00 each so be ready to shell out some money ???? This is why the 100th Centennial Gold Quarter and 100th Centennial Gold Half Dollar are still for sail because of the price !!!
Hunter –
As of now there are 123 comments posted since this article was published on Jan. 12. I don’t see any missing. But I am using my Android smartphone now. The “Older Comments” blue button is working for me right now. I am not a computer expert. Can anyone help Hunter with his technical question? Thanks.
Happy collecting Hunter!
-NumisDudeTX
Seth – SORRY Seth but my Android smartphone like you as well I am using a high end HP Laptop and I went to my HP desk top to try it but still the same ?????? The comments from January 12, 2017 at 9:13 pm up to January 14, 2017 at 8:53 am are just not on here ???????? I guess I am blocked from seeing my posts during that period SIR !!!!!!! May I ask you if you see my posts between the time I have listed if you see mine and where ONE FINE DIMES POSTED absolute imbeciles… Read more »
I have been collecting all my 65 years Seth and I LOVE the coins !!!!!! I have seen a lot of changes in design over the years but that is what keeps collecting interesting !!!!!!!!! I hope you as well have a lifetime of AWESOME COLLECTING SETH !!!!!!!!!
As a lifelong numismatist I truly appreciate another fine example of beautiful collaborative art on a great precious metal. To all of the naysayers who have miscellaneous strange comments/complaints, I say, “thank you very much, please don’t buy any, and allow serious long term collectors like myself to buy even more”. I love this profession/hobby and will purchase as many as I can possibly buy for myself, family and clients.
Bottom line to evertbody. The Mint will continue to mint whatever they want nomatter what anybody says or thinks. So, just live with it and as one comment stated, if you like it, buy it if you don’t like it then don’t. Enough said. There are more important things going on in the world that everybody should be paying attention to. Agreed? Enough said already.
by all means by as many of this ugly coin as your little heart desires.
Butt crack ugly. Has nothing to do with black or white. You left liberals make this into a black and white thing. The coin sucks. The mint has had other black folks on coins that reflected good art. they missed it on this. Sucks sucks sucks sucks
?
Blackface – if any minority is deterred from the coin world, it’s because of the attitude of people like you. What you said was blatantly racist, don’t deny it.
“Wreck the whole system”? If you think putting a black woman on a coin is wrecking the whole system, you are by definition a racist. And then there’s your username…
Bob C ~ Truth hurts you lefties I know. You can’t face the truth either without your safe places. Haha! So let me get this straight, if minorities can’t afford this expensive gold coin it’s because of people like myselves “attitudes!” Lmao!! Not because they are dirt poor, and will likely never know this coin ever existed. Lol. Your too much. Lol. You lefties. Lol. You always love to blame someone else for everything… I am going to enjoy watching our new president undo all you lefties crappy policies, like this latest catastrophe of refashioning lady liberty into a dog… Read more »
Blackface, Your inability to write a proper English sentence says it all.
Blackface – How dare that pesky liberal Bob C call you out on your racist remarks. After all, this is a free country and we can post whatever rude comments about black people we want to right? “Did a rush of minorities suddenly become interested in ultra fine proof gold coins, a coin that costs more than they likely receive all month in government assistance anyway….they are dirt poor, and will likely never know this coin ever existed” “undo all you lefties crappy policies, this latest catastrophe of refashioning lady liberty into a dog faced angry man child” well said… Read more »
First of all, I find the design of this gold coin appealing and worth buying….so I will. I appreciate the fact that Liberty will be depicted as an African American women. That said, looking at some of the other design candidates that were not chosen, this design chosen may not have been the best but that’s a moot point at this time. As for some of the disgusting, naive, and inane comments made in this thread, it just goes to show that America still has a very long way to go in spite of the fact that we have come… Read more »
Owen – This gold coin is getting a LOT of press in the non-numismatic newspapers & magazines & online publications. As a coin dealer (& collector too, as you described yourself) you may be getting a lot of people new to the hobby as customers for this gold coin beauty (even if this is the only coin they have ever bought, the collector bug might get them & they might continue as your customers when they find out about the great diversity of collectible coins out there!) Good luck to you. I will be buying this coin for sure for… Read more »
Seth, I’m not sure if I have the MIDAS touch or not, but I’ve made so many coin purchases tempered with an understanding of artistry, rarity, historical provenance, all without allowance for histrionics. For example, I bought a Jackie Robinson uncirculated gold coin and sold it at its peak for a 4K% fair gain. Thanks for your positive comments about us numismatists who truly appreciate passing on, as you mentioned, great diversity in the coin collecting field. And once again, for all of the vehement naysayers, PLEASE don’t buy any, it is tantamount to COIN a phrase, a waste of… Read more »
“Yes, in general, I prefer to talk about the merits of coins here, but when I am faced with bigotry and narrow mindedness, I have no qualms (obviously) of calling people out. I apologize to others here that “get it” already.”————————-Brave as Boudica one fine dime
Not buying—-Expensive—-Ugly—To you other folks—help yourself
I love reading comments on pages like washington post where people are asking why a $100 coin cost $1500.
michael –
The Associated Press (AP) news wire service wrote the original article that the other news services picked up & ran with that wrongly stated “The Coin is worth $100”. They failed to mention that is only the nominal face value assigned to the coin to make it legal tender of the USA. It shows you how very little the average person knows about our coins & the price of gold per ounce!
-NumisDudeTX
The people who make this into a “black and white thing” are those who claim the coin is bad because it is politically correct or “ugly” because a black person is depicted or those being critical of the coin for no good reason. That’s very different than asserting that because specific significant features of the design are poorly executed then this is why the design doesn’t appeal to you. If the coin is “ugly” to you because the woman depicted is black or her anatomical facial features are those of people you feel uncomfortable around or you happen to feel… Read more »
Seth Riesling,
I’m interested in knowing more about who you are. You have a great deal of info at your fingertips, plus you were at the unveil the other day. Do your dealings end at collecting? Or is there more to your influence in the numismatic world?
I don’t mean to dig or ask you to divulge much, I’m just interested in your story.
Thanks, Dusty
It is a design that is being discussed, which is good for the collecting comunity..As to models, etc. would the INdian Head cent have a woman of color (nowithstanding the model was a hale~) Sacagewa IS (was…) a Native American. As to the Liberty adorning the DC Capital, from the 1923 $5 stamp she also appears to be a native American. The model for the 2015 HR also appears to have been a mix or AA woman, so this is not a breakthrough per se, the clear vision leave no ?. Buy or sell as you like, but I read… Read more »
Nowhere that I can find does the US Mint specifically state that the woman who represents American Liberty in this gold coin series is supposed to be of any particular race. That means when someone asserts that it’s “politically correct” that a black woman is depicted, that person either harbors a racist attitude or that person assumes something that isn’t true. As for the claim that the coin is wrong because Liberty is not depicted as a Native American but the Statue of Freedom does depict a Native American woman (as at least one person has suggested)….this is simply silliness… Read more »
Dustyroads – After graduating from the University of Texas in 1986 with a degree in English & a minor in Biology, I worked in the field of public relations. I wound up becoming the Public Relations Manager for Heritage Rare Coin Galleries & Auction Company in Dallas, which is still the largest numismatic company in the world. I also was a freelance ghost writer for a number of numismatic publications. I currently am semi-retired & have no financial connections to Heritage. But, when I was there, I was lucky enough to make some major contacts in the field of numismatics… Read more »
@CoinsA-Z
This press release from treasury.gov discusses the ethnic representations on this and forthcoming gold liberty issues:
https://www.treasury.gov/connect/blog/Pages/Unveiling-the-Future-of-Liberty-.aspx
one fine dime, thank you….that corroborates what I was already convinced of….that there is no specific ethnicity that Liberty is supposed to be and red flags are raised every time someone denounce the coin design because of the race (or ethnic facial features) depicted.
I look forward to the coin’s release.
I am very much looking forward to adding this beautiful coin design into my collection.
Mouse
Me too. What will be your strategy for getting in early before sell-out?
I’ll be ordering early even though I doubt the coin will sell out within the first week or two…..but stranger things have happened.
S. Morgan. imo, You won’t have to worry with 100k mintage of a fast sell out…lol
Why such a radical change in the design of the coin?? The Goddess of Liberty has ALWAYS had features resembling that of a woman of European descent.
Please, by all means, feel free to move back to Europe Michael. This is America, an ethnically diverse nation. A salad bowl, a melting pot, what have you. E Pluribus Unum!
Well put, one fine dime and Linette. It’s sad to see that some people here hold views that are so race discriminatory.
HA!! You liberals certainly don’t mind calling someone a ‘racist’ whenever a question is asked like the one I asked, do you? “Go back to Europe” and calling my views “discriminatory”. And to LINETTE PRESTON, who urged me to “research the original Statue of Liberty that was presented to The USA but was rejected due to its resembling an African Women.” Well LINETTE, I actually DID look into this…and you are sadly wrong. According to the NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, “There is no evidence that Bartholdi’s “original” design was perceived by white American supporters or the United States government as representing… Read more »
If you read further in the article you quoted, it also says: The temporal proximity and aesthetic overlap between Bartholdi’s Egyptian proposal and the Statue of Liberty project, and the preliminary nature of the statue’s study models, makes it impossible to rule out an 1870-71 Liberty model that has design origins in Bartholdi’s drawings of black Egyptian women in 1856. So while one of the models for the SOL May not have been an African-American woman, she was still a black woman from Egypt. Additionally, the statute was designed by an abolitionist who supported Abraham Lincoln and saw the statue… Read more »
Thank you Vanda for setting the record straight with Michael who bizarrely continues to defend racist attitudes.
All you left wing babies miss the point about the coin from folks like myself. First the coin is butt crack ugly not because the coin has a portrait of a god ugly woman who happens to be black. It could have been a white woman and be ugly as hell also. The mint in the past has had black and other none white folks on the coins that turned out nice. I don’t give a shit that she in black. So you left winger tree huggers stop your crying. Buy up all of this coin you like. Make America… Read more »
It’s quite astonishing that Right Wing fanatics who make comments in this thread have fooled themselves into believing that anyone who doesn’t fall in line with their racist views must be Lefty Liberals. In fact, they are employing red herring tactics (to deflect from the actual issue) because this has nothing to do with political views for those who have been critical of the racist attitude displayed by some and everything to do with that racist attitude.
Michael
Please research the original Statue of Liberty that was presented to The USA but was rejected due to its resembling an African Women.
The Statue of Liberty was originally a black woman. The actual model that posed for the statue was also a black woman. The statue was a gift from France to America to celebrate the role black soldiers played in winning the Civil War.
Thank you Linette
It is unfortunate that so many are miseducated and ignorant about the history of this country. We should start another discussion about the pyramids all across America and the people who built them.Wouldn’t that be informative. LOL
The Statue of Liberty was originally a black woman. The actual model that posed for the statue was also a black woman. The statue was a gift from France to America to celebrate the role black soldiers played in winning the Civil War.
You anticipate that this coin is going to cost $100K? ? I was definitely hoping to purchase one.
“Why such a radical change in the design of the coin?? The Goddess of Liberty has ALWAYS had features resembling that of a woman of European descent.”
Ok, I’ll answer your question Michael (i.e,. do your research for you).
See page two of this March 22, 2016 letter from the CCAC to the Treasury Secretary: https://www.ccac.gov/media/calendar/lettersToSecretary/2016_0315.pdf
Beautiful coin! Cant wait to get my hands on one.
There are comments here that I have read before and comments that I have posted myself… that I cannot find anymore. Around 100 of them. ??
Radical idea, how about the “GOD OF LIBERTY”
DrWho7
Just looked at the Mints website. All the Gold coins minted except the tenth ounce Mercury Dimes are still for sale from what I can see. Hmmm?
DrWho7
That series of gold coins is one of the least inspiring coin series the US Mint has produced. I’m very much looking forward to the release of the 2017 gold American Liberty coin though.
I wasn’t just talking about the Dime, Quarter and 50 cent piece, I was referring to all the Gold coins the mint made. I’m pretty sure only the Dime sold out.100yr, 30yr. And 10yr. anniversary coins and only the Mercury Dimes sold out? Does anybody know if the 30yr. Anniversary Proof and Burnished Eagles sold out. I know it really wasn’t their 30th anniversary but, there was the edged lettering on them.
DrWho7
The Burnished Eagles that is.
DrWho7
Danny Morano
I just came from the US Mint website and the 2016 Silver Eagles are still there. They both came out very late in the year. The proof didn’t come out till Dec, if I remember right.
I`m going to pass on this “politically correct” offering , thank you.
“I`m going to pass on this “politically correct” offering”
There’s nothing politically correct about this coin…it’s a coin with a depiction of a black American woman. That you don’t like blacks or women on coins is a you problem.
Two Books with which to start reading:
The African Origins of Civilization/ Cheikh Anta Diop
The Book of the Beginnings/ Gerald Massey