U.S. Gold Collector Coins – Questions and Answers

U.S. Gold Collector Coins - Questions and Answers

Gold collectible coins from the U.S. Mint are highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. These coins are made with the utmost care and attention to detail, which makes them not only valuable, but also aesthetically pleasing.

What are the most popular gold coin series in the US?

A notable series of gold collector coins produced by the U.S. Mint is the American Eagle Gold Coin series. These coins feature iconic designs, such as the timeless image of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a majestic bald eagle on the reverse. Minted from 22-karat gold, these coins have a symbolic weight that reflects the nation’s heritage and values.

Another popular series is the American Buffalo gold coin series. These coins pay homage to the historic Buffalo nickel design, which features an Indian chief on one side and a magnificent buffalo on the other. Coins minted from 24-karat gold have a pure and shiny appearance.

The U.S. Mint also issues special commemorative gold coins to honor significant events, influential figures or historic landmarks. These limited-edition coins often feature unique designs that honor the rich cultural heritage of the United States. Examples include the Gold Medal commemorative coins and the First Spouse gold coins.

What does “E Pluribus Unum” mean that you see on U.S. coins?

“E Pluribus Unum” is a Latin phrase used on the Great Seal of the United States and on U.S. coins: Out of many (states or colonies) becomes one (nation).

The phrase was chosen for the Continental Congress when the thirteen colonies were created into a single country.

The phrase “E Pluribus Unum,” written in capital letters, is usually found on most U.S. currency, although there are a few instances where the spacing between letters is different, such as on the reverse of the dime.

Which women were depicted on U.S. coins?

Women have been depicted on U.S. coins since the founding of the U.S. Mint, symbolizing the concept of “freedom.” Women who have been depicted on U.S. circulating coins include Susan B. Anthony, Helen Keller (on the Alabama Quarter), and Sacagawea. However, U.S. commemorative coins also honor other notable women such as Queen Isabella of Spain, Eleanor and Virginia Dare, Dolley Madison, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. In addition, the U.S. Mint has been issuing $10 gold coins as part of the “First Spouse” series since 2007.

In what year was the saying “In God We Trust” minted on U.S. coins?

The motto was first minted on U.S. coins in 1864, at a time when religious sentiment was rising during the Civil War. Numerous people wanted their faith to be represented on the country’s currency. The first coin to bear this motto was the two-cent piece.

What does MMIX mean on my gold coin?

MMIX are the Roman numerals for the year 2009.

What do the letters P, D, S, and W mean on U.S. coins?

The current mint marks on U.S. coins are P, D, S, and W, representing the four currently functioning U.S. mints.

The letter P stands for the Philadelphia Mint,

D is for the Denver Mint,

S stands for the San Francisco Mint, and

W is for West Point Mint.

What is the reason that only deceased presidents or people are depicted on U.S. coins?

There is a special law that regulates this issue. In 1866, Congress passed a law stating that living persons could not be depicted on U.S. coinage or currency.

From the nation’s earliest days, the belief prevailed among patriotic people that it was improper to honor living persons by depicting their likenesses on legal tender, especially on circulating coins. This sentiment was evident from the earliest days, when George Washington himself declined the offer to have his portrait reproduced on the first U.S. dollar. This rejection was the beginning of a long tradition.

However, this law was broken several times.

How did the idea to create the First Spouse Series come about?

The concept of Spouse Series coins honoring spouses originated when the U.S. government began minting $1 gold coins to commemorate presidents. Interestingly, the Spouse gold coin is issued even if the president in question did not have a wife. In such cases, the image of freedom is engraved on the obverse of the coin, which also appears on the American Eagle gold coin.

Interesting facts about “Eagle” coins

In the past, the United States Mint has issued a number of “Eagle” coins in various denominations, including $2.50, $5, $10 and $20. The $10 coin was specifically designated as an “Eagle”. In addition, the $2.50 coin was called the “Quarter Eagle,” the $5 coin was called the “Half Eagle,” and the $20 coin was called the “Double Eagle.”

Some facts about the American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin

The first American Liberty coin was introduced in 2015, and additional coins have been issued every two years since. These coins are produced at the West Point Mint using a 1 oz. 24-karat gold plate embossed. Designs for the American Liberty coins are sent to the U.S. Mint as part of the Artistic Infusion Program. The proposed designs are then evaluated by the United States Commission of Fine Arts, which makes recommendations that the Mint can either accept or ignore.

2015

Back design: Standing Liberty with a torch and an American flag

Back motif: Flying eagle with olive branches in its claws

Edge: ribbed

2017

Front: Black freedom with a crown of stars

Back: Eagle in flight

Edge: Labeled

2019

Front: Liberty with 13 rays emanating from her headdress

Back: eagle approaching landing

Edge: ribbed

2021

Front: Mustang horse swinging out of saddle

Reverse side: Close up of the head of an eagle

Edge: ribbed

2023

Front: Bristlecone pine

Reverse: eagle standing on a rocky outcrop

Edge: ribbed

Do high relief coins have a higher value?

High-relief coins are minted from pure precious metal, but their markups often exceed their actual value many times over. Coin collectors tend to have a greater interest in these coins than precious metal investors, and many numismatists are excited about the possibility of owning such coins.

Examples:

USA – 20 US Dollars – American Eagle – 2009 – Ultra High Relief – 1oz Gold

USA – 100 US Dollars – American Liberty – 2015 – High Relief – 1oz Gold Proof

To celebrate the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Mint, a special coin was minted with an allegorical representation of freedom in the form of an African-American woman wearing a crown of stars. The reverse of the West Point Mint minted coin features an image of an American bald eagle in flight from left to right. This design was created by Chris Costello, an AIP designer (more on that below), and engraved by Michael Gaudioso.

Known as the American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin (or American Liberty 2017 Gold Coin), the one-ounce gold coin was minted to commemorate the Mint’s milestone. Their date of issue was April 6, 2017. In addition, a series of one-ounce silver coins with identical design was issued on October 6 of the same year.

The coin’s design, which for the first time depicted the Goddess of Liberty as an African American woman, attracted widespread attention and sparked a national discussion.

What is the idea behind the “Artistic Infusion” program / API?

In 2003, the United States Mint/USMint launched the Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) with the goal of improving and revitalizing the design of U.S. coins and medals. The program accomplishes this by sponsoring a diverse group of external artists who specialize in graphic design, sculpture, engraving, drawing, painting and other visual arts. These artists work closely with United States Mint staff, including sculptor-engravers, to develop and submit new designs for various coin and medal programs throughout the year. AIP artists’ creations grace numerous U.S. coins and medals, including America the Beautiful Quarters® coins, Native American $1 coins, commemorative coins, platinum proof coins, Congressional Gold Medals, American Liberty Gold Coins and a number of silver and bronze medals.

Collecting U.S. Mint gold coins is not only a passion for many enthusiasts, but also a smart investment strategy. The purity of the gold used for these coins, as well as their limited mintage and historical significance, contribute to their long-term appreciation.

Whether purchased for their beauty, historical significance or investment potential, the US Mint’s collectible gold coins hold a special place in the hearts of collectors around the world. These exquisite pieces of craftsmanship continue to capture the essence of American history and serve as timeless treasures for generations to come.

Discover the new additions to our gold coin collection in the current range!