At noon ET today, Feb. 8, the United States Mint introduces a small proof coin for collectors, the 2018-W $10 American Liberty minted in 1/10-ounce .9999 fine gold.
If the coin’s imagery looks familiar, that’s because it first appeared on last year’s larger 2017-W $100 American Liberty High Relief 1 oz. Gold Coin. It debuted in April 2017 for $1,640, scoring first-day sales of 14,285 coins. The new smaller $10 coin, priced at $215*, is offered as a more affordable option to last year’s coin.
Designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, coin obverses depict Liberty as an African-American woman wearing a crown of stars. The crown pays homage to the bronze Statue of Freedom topping the dome of the U.S. Capitol. Inscribed around the allegorical figure are "LIBERTY," "2018," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
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The design marks the first in a series that will feature Liberty in a variety of contemporary forms to reflect the cultural and ethnic diversity of the United States. The next Liberty design is expected in 2019.
Reverses (tails side) of the 24-karat gold coins show a powerful eagle in flight design that is surrounded by inscriptions of "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "1/10 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD," and "10 DOLLARS." Chris Costello designed the eagle and Michael Gaudioso sculpted it.
American Liberty 1/10 Oz. Gold Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $10 |
| Finish: | Proof |
| Composition: | 99.99% Gold |
| Diameter: | 0.650 inch (16.50 mm) |
| Weight: | 0.1000 troy oz. (3.110 grams) |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Mint and Mint Mark: | West Point – W |
Ordering and Pricing
Order the collectible by visiting the U.S. Mint’s webpage for gold coins, located here, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Its mintage is limited to 135,000 pieces. There is a further restriction of 5 coins per household.
*Pricing of gold coins can be adjusted weekly depending on market conditions. (See the U.S. Mint’s gold coin pricing schedule.) Current gold coin prices are based on LBMA gold that is within $1,300.00 and $1,349.99 an ounce.
Sales Update (Feb. 9)
First-day sales of the $10 American Liberty reached 9,842 coins, U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White told CoinNews in an email Friday, Feb. 9.
2008 – w – proof 1/10.oz Buff* 9999 gold – mint #’s 18,884 for $165. a decade later $50. more mintage of 135,000.
I am very happy to finally own a copy of this beauty at a price point that is affordable. I plan to pick up a few, one graded and another with the luxurious packaging from the mint. One of the most beautiful coins I have seen in a long time. Not every coin will be a home run with tremendous long term upswing, but that’s not why I collect. My investor hat is off for today and my numismatic hat is on. Joe – I have a graded proof 70 / ultra cameo 2008 – w – 1/10 oz Buffalo… Read more »
This is the 3rd 24k 1/10 oz. Nice little subset.
Beautiful coin of course, but no 1792 date on it, no edge lettering & not high relief like the original from last year though.
-NumisdudeTX
Ordered 5 and think this is the way to go with the Mint. Smaller denominations of precious medal coins., Perhaps Platinum and Palladium as well. Gives people an opportunity to get a nice coin without hurting their budgets. Lower mintage may seem the desire of some, however, I believe real collectors should get a shot too.
it is so over priced if you take into consideration there are going to be 135,000. it is $215 and it only has $133 in gold value.
I Ordered 5 within 1 minute and just got confirmation. I think this is the way to go with the Mint. Smaller denominations of precious medal coins., Perhaps Platinum and Palladium as well. Gives people an opportunity to get a nice coin without hurting their budgets. Lower mintage may seem the desire of some, however, I believe real collectors should get a shot too
I’m with you lonnie, the Mint gets richer and the coins get poorer, pass on this one. lol.
I nearly bought a few, but decided this was something to collect, rather than invest in. I just bought the one.
The sad thing here is that I’m sure quite a lot will be purchased – by the TV coin evangelists. They don’t really care what the initial price is. They will lump on their big margin and sell them, regardless of the end price.
I’m happy I got one. I feel sorry for those eager people with TV’s, too much time and their credit cards.
TV coin evangelists, I could not have said it better myself, they think all coin collectors are morons. aka Mike Mizack and his backup girls. This guy could talk the ears off an elephant!!!
A little too much for me. I’ll wait & see if I can get it for less from a 3rd party dealers. Even if I have to wait a year or more.
Ugliest coin I have ever seen
I bought 2 and will keep them unopened. See what the future brings.
james, it is even uglier in the one ounce size.
The only ugliness I see are from two of the posters here.
Bought this smaller gold version to go with the silver American Liberty coins I purchased since they’ve come out. Pleased to have the chance to add this gold coin as I couldn’t afford the larger version. As to what is beautiful, and what is not, that’s the greatness of coin collecting, there is something for everyone’s tastes. I’ve not gone in to collecting coins to make a fortune. I collect what I get enjoyment and satisfaction from. One more note, you speak of the tv con artists, it was merely a few hours after the coin went on sale, and… Read more »
Let’s see…
American Liberty 1 oz. $1,740
American Liberty 1/10 oz. $215
Gold at $1,319 spot
Premium on 1 oz. $421 or $42.10 per 1/10 oz.
Premium on 1/10 oz. $83.00
Looks like the mint took a page out of P.T. Barnum’s book.
At 125,000 mintage there is only way for this coin to go…see you next year for this one.
Just picked up a couple coins / purchase order / payment confirmation from the US mint received. Very efficient. I truly appreciate this beautiful design, very powerful and Stoic. I’m loving the controversy around this coin, hope it keeps up. Keep the sale figures low and the history volatile. Next purchase will be the original 2017 high relief (would love a graded 70 coin / label originally signed by the creating artist for the design -does not exist but it should). As my father and I plan to pass our coin collections down to our young ones, this coin is… Read more »
Mr. Mouse, hi, hope you don,t,mind Mr* it is out of respeck, + i like your name, i have know some critter, friends* over the years, + a girl named house mouse, because she was quit like one, & she looked like a *Quot little mouse girl. G, now that i think of it, all my cats*+*dogs, that were part of my family* have people names, two of the cats, *billy joe & *sally jane i* named after the person i adopted from, ah,sep for mud slide, she came with name, from city pound, i fix her diet, now i… Read more »
my hats off to ya, young & senior *mouse, i* hope i* $cash$ before i*+*crash*, of course there will be the ones i* hide & forgot about, they can have an *+*Easter* coin hunt* when i* pass*+*, right *+*uncle*+*Ernie* who found the *golden egg* in 67, stuck in the melting spring snow, a shiny 64 *Kennedy* still got it*, love* to *Janet & give *hi ho Timber A O*& *X , you all XXX* & *OOO*+* each other for me*. What! am i* saying, ?* Dear* GOD*+* eze doz it*+*please not this *+*Easter, i* know! i’ll be more careful, what… Read more »
I’m just collecting for my families younger generation-grand kids, nieces nephews. Don’t you think that its first run on a design change alone that it may have some value? I’m hoping this. I’ve picked one up for each of my family members. I picked up the 1 oz last year hoping I can benefit later down the road from the purchase. How do you get a coin first day of issue? Does any one know. Hope everyone’s coin hunting and collecting gives them everything they hope for. It is fun!
I was happy to get 3 of the coins today at 12:03 and got my confirmation 30 minutes later. First time I was able to afford a gold coin when it was released (I missed out on the gold liberty dime- apathy). Bought the gold 1 oz. version on eBay for $1450. Plan to get 1 of the 3 graded. This is a beautiful design! These 1/10’s were a little pricey however.
Hi Sherri – From my understanding, if you send the coins to a grading company / PCGS / NGC / Coins will qualify if sent to the grading companies in the original date stamped package received by the mint / or / after the release date if they are housed in original, mint-sealed boxes with a white seal bearing the name of the President and the official release date. Such boxes must also contain the date stamp of the Mint inspector. If you want them graded, send them before you open them…it will be like Christmas when you get them… Read more »
what are the total sales of the 1/10 oz. liberty for today?
This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful coins I have ever seen. I was happy to buy it on the basis of its stunning appearance and just as happy to put all thoughts of monetary concerns aside in this particular case. Fine art like this superb gem of a coin represents, after all, is priceless.
I had planed on getting one of these but the premium on it is too high! If I remember right the 1/10 Mercury Dime wasn’t even close to $200. I mean I can afford it but I just can’t see myself paying that much over spot!
I think it’s a nice coin and I would like to have one but I just don’t know.
joera – Luckily, a gold coin is not one of the four necessities of life, which is to say air, water, food and shelter (clothes counts as a form of shelter), so whether you get one of those 1/10 ounce gold pieces is not really going to affect your overall welfare. Essentially it comes down to whether or not you want it (since it’s not in a “need” category, after all) and how much, but again, either way you decide is not really that big of a deal. I was on the fence about this one myself, and the way… Read more »
i’m happy for some happy news, for the *beautiful* woman* who reppurrcent*s *liberty*+*peace & justice* for all*. Just so where on the same page,*Great*+*G*All *Mighty*Dude*, you have to know* what i mean crash*like in my chair by the *seashore,just at sunset* & the *full moon arise just above the*+*sun* i*ll sea* you* & all that’s yours* nothing better than that, not for many a blue*moon tho, i’m threw enjoying this life *yet*. Every 1 is Beautiful when they have the fear ”’which is good*”” in them, *I’M *NOT* THREW* u got to b kidding, what comes around go*s around, just… Read more »
Joe Brown –
Your distinctive literary meanderings remind me of one entirely general and two more specific influences: 1) stream of consciousness as such; 2) the singular minimalist style of e.e. cummings; 3) and last but most certainly not least, the wondrously unique poetic weavings of the incomparable Lawrence Ferlinghetti. Keep on trucking!
Old Collector
You’re right. If I like it and I can afford it I should get it just because of that. I collect because it is one of my hobbies and not an investment. I have to remind myself sometimes. Or have someone else remind me. Thank you. 🙂
joera – There are collectors and there are speculators, and since you are clearly one of the former – like myself, I might add – what matters most is how much the coin appeals to you and not how much it will ever be worth. For that matter, what anyone else thinks of it on a purely artistic merit basis doesn’t amount to a hill of beans either; after all, it’s strictly each to his/her own, and no two people’s tastes are ever exactly the same anyway. By the way, you’re very welcome; glad to be of help, and enjoy… Read more »
With the PW, JK, CYC, W and the 1/10 oz. .9999 fine gold on this tiny coin —–It looks like a NASCAR racer —PASS
Sturgeon –
A) Beauty is strictly in the eyes of the beholder
B) Not everyone can afford a larger gold coin
I’ve added the coin’s first-day sales at the bottom of the article. Have a great weekend, and thank you for reading CoinNews!
For me I just couldn’t stand to see that eagle with the tail feather chopped off by the rim of the coin.
Thanks Mike Unser ..
That first day’s sales total is beyond dismal !
Just a Mint version trying to Political Correct. I’ll pass. Plus melt value outrageous.
Can we all say this together… It’s a Bu$t! Gee if it was a reissued anniv Bust type gold I bet it would sell like crazy! The Mint is crazy 135k mintage & HH Limit why any’limit’ this will sell some #s eventually, but not anywhere near what was desired, the price is a RIP OFF. Mintage #s are like bullion #s. IF they made this a 25k issue maybe a sell out – maybe I’ll get one for abit over spot in a few months if you watch Ebay I bet that if I don’t- I won’t care….
Billy –
If the image on this particular coin is representative of “politically correctness” then the 2016 Liberty medal could just as easily be described as being a typical depiction of alleged Aryan supremacy. You can’t just claim one while denying the other; it doesn’t work that way.
The coin may be a modern depiction of liberty & the silver medal is nice, the gold probably too BUT it’s not the Buff 5c & not something that has been beloved or wanted from the start- BY THE COLLECTING BASE… the BASE, whether you care or not for him POTUS Trump plays to his base, he keeps them happy & gets their 29% support for all, her the collectors are the base, perhaps gear some items to please us, classic’s revisited did ok w/SLQ & WL 1/2..but go back further & watch the sales, nope won’t do it…..so yo… Read more »
Chas Barber – Unfortunately we collectors are NOT the “base” for the U.S. Mint; it’s unwavering base consists in fact entirely of the major dealers who buy gobs (that would be millions upon millions) of bullion – and collector grade, for that matter – coins at a ridiculously miniscule surcharge and then go on to make their real money by selling huge quantities, without concern for quality, to the ever-gullible “investing” public. The Mint can always count on that small by numbers but huge by influence base in exactly the same way that POTUs can control the entire nation with… Read more »
Old Collector – Wow~! , a couple of *big guns* man* thanks i* mean it. It’s true what you say to *joera & others. But know matter how i look at my life now*, All the *best days* of my life were free* , i’m grateful for all, i have had, and have, i do value everything nothing is junk* most prized,is just a plastic & *bronze little peace, that i given, the day i was baptized*+* from my *god mother who raised me for the first three years of my birth life*priceless*. Just like it say on our coins… Read more »
Joe Brown – You’re very welcome, Joe, and believe me, it is just as much of a pleasure to read your ever-inspirational thoughts, unique ideas and illuminating commentary. Life can indeed take many odd twists and turns, and those of us who have been twisted and turned at least our share – and some of us perhaps so even more than that – along the way can truly enjoy taking comfort in convivial enterprises such as coin collecting that afford us a golden (yes, pun intended) opportunity to share and compare with others who also get satisfaction from a like… Read more »
Hurry Hurry no more limit!!! you can buy 100 ugly gold coins all at once…yippee!!!
Old Collector
How true .. even some of the so called collector products are sold at a discount to the big buyers/AP’s/etc. ….. they might be small in number of entities but they make up for that in $$$$ …. and with that $$$$, influence ..
Tinto –
While it is a shame that this is the case, it is certainly not a surprise. As that alternate version of the Golden Rule so succinctly – and, sad to say, absolutely correctly – states, “He who has the gold makes the rules.”
What a great number for a first day of sales. Remember folks, I be one proud Canadian – First day sales figures (9842) on a proof coin up here is a screaming success.
I am so impressed with the US mint / spectacular design / great pricing – better than what I’m used to up here in the great white north (RCM) / amazing efficiency – bought the coin yesterday and received shipping confirmation today. Cant wait to see this beauty up close.
Soon to buy both a graded version / 2017 as well.
Mouse
Mouse – That is so funny, and I mean that in a lighthearted but also semi-serious way, since by the standards I was accustomed to as a lifelong (now many years retired) logistics professional that performance, at least in the sector of the business world I dealt with, would have been considered the absolute minimum-expected level of service. Shipments, if so required and/or promised, went out by close of that business day as a matter of course, and delivery was handled in the same manner or someone would be sure to hear about it, and not in a good way.… Read more »
The production and quality control is not without high cost. If these coins maintain that high standard the price with premium is not that extraordinary. You may see a difference of about $25 with the 91.67% Gold Eagle $10 Dollar and this Liberty $10 so all things considered not worth screaming and second guessing. The joy of Collecting is paramount.
Thought about it but for many reasons decided not to purchase. I did purchase the mercury dime for many reasons as well. We all have different tastes for what it is worth. I may purchase later if the price is right. Wish I had not been late to the game on the 2008 buffalos and tip my hat to all who added that one to their collection.
Collecting doesn’t always mean investing.
Buy what makes you happy.
Daniel,
Amen to that.
Gary & Rooster,
Both of your points are valid. It is exceedingly costly to produce perfection, and perfection is indeed in the eyes of the beholder.
HSN”S Mike Mezack is ready to help you guys with your “PERFECTION” follow closely he never skips a beat……. repeat repeat repeat!!!! lol
sam tweedy,
I can only assume he attended the School of Trump, as like his spiritual mentor he dedicates himself to manufacturing an alternate reality out of obvious falsehood through the process of relentless repetition. Fake news…Fake news…Fake news!
Lets put this coin into a long term perspective / thought analysis / bias aside: -The US mint rarely has produced a 1/10 ounce proof coin. -First Liberty gold in a 1/10 oz platform. -The glowing success and steadily rising premium for any fractional / graded 2008 Buffalo (happy I have 2 in my collection) -Unbridled reaction and controversy related to the original 2017 release. -An affordable / initial cost to the consumer -A sound understanding that no modern coin will quickly ski rocket in value / I am sure any historical coin was viewed in its time as nothing… Read more »
Mouse,
An extremely erudite, exceptionally informative, unquestionably cogent, and impressively balanced and impartial analysis. Simply put, brilliant in all regards.
Old Collector –
Thank you for the kind words, greatly appreciated. I to find your posts to be very grounded and insightful as well. I always appreciate others view point and educational posts. I am a fan of this site for not only the great and informative articles but also the like minded community members.
Mouse
Mouse, You’re very welcome, and it’s entirely my pleasure. And thank you likewise for thinking so kindly of my posts. I make an effort to just be myself – at seventy now I don’t think there’s a chance I’m ever going to be anybody else anyway – and say what I think, feel and believe in the best way that I know – or come up with – how to express it both to adequately convey my own meaning and simultaneously respect the position, especially if (understandably) different, that others may hold. Coins and community are indeed what “make” this… Read more »
Charlie 1952,
This is what is called cutting corners, especially when it comes to something like this relatively expensive item. Simply put, it is very much akin to the practice of some corporations freezing their rank-and-file employees’ wages – or engaging in layoffs – even as their corporate profit margins are shooting through the roof. Unfortunately, the underlying motivational drive of greed seems to dictate that exceedingly successful accumulation of capital may in all to many instances lead to ever more penurious inclinations and behavior among the accumulators.