Lady Liberty has long been a powerful symbol in American coinage, representing the nation's founding principles and enduring commitment to freedom. From the earliest days of the U.S. Mint in 1792, she appeared on the obverses of U.S. coins, paired with an American eagle on the reverse. But as time passed, her image gradually gave way to historical figures like presidents, and Lady Liberty became a rarer sight in modern currency—until her bold return in gold.
The American Liberty Gold Coin: A New Era Begins
In 2015, the United States Mint launched the American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin Program, an ambitious and artistic initiative that redefined how Liberty could be portrayed for a modern, diverse America. Struck in 1 ounce of 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold, these coins are not only legal tender ($100 face value) but also works of contemporary art, showcasing innovative designs that celebrate the nation's evolving cultural identity.
The program features high-relief proof strikes—a technique that allows for dramatic depth and detail—giving each coin a powerful three-dimensional appearance. These designs typically debut in gold before being adapted into silver medals in following years.
Notable Gold Coin Releases & Mintages
Here’s a look at some of the standout gold coins in the American Liberty series:
-
2015-W $100 High Relief Gold Coin
-
Design: A modern Liberty wearing a crown of stars, symbolizing unity.
-
Mintage Limit: 50,000
-
Collector Appeal: Highly sought after for being the inaugural coin in the program.
-
2017-W $100 High Relief Gold Coin
-
Design: Liberty portrayed as an African-American woman with a star-tipped crown.
-
Mintage Limit: 100,000
-
Significance: First U.S. coin to depict Liberty as a Black woman—a landmark issue.
-
Design: Liberty in a radiating headdress symbolizing enlightenment.
-
Mintage Limit: 50,000
-
2021-W $100 High Relief Gold Coin
-
Design: Liberty with a headdress inspired by the Statue of Liberty's torch.
-
Mintage Limit: 12,500
-
Collector Reaction: Low mintage made this issue especially desirable.
-
Design: A dynamic Liberty releasing a dove—symbolizing peace and hope.
-
Mintage Limit: 12,500
What Makes These Gold Coins So Collectible?
Several factors make the American Liberty gold coins a standout in modern U.S. numismatics:
-
Low Mintages: Ranging from 12,500 to 100,000—far below typical U.S. Mint bullion production.
-
Striking Designs: Ethnically diverse and culturally relevant portrayals of Liberty not seen in earlier coinage.
-
High Relief Craftsmanship: Deeply struck and visually stunning; true pieces of numismatic art.
-
Pure 24-Karat Gold: Highly desirable for both investors and collectors.
-
Certified Market Popularity: Top-graded coins (PCGS/NGC 70s) fetch strong premiums in the secondary market.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 2025 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin is already one of the most anticipated releases among collectors and gold coin enthusiasts. With a fresh design expected to continue the series' themes of diversity, symbolism, and artistic innovation, demand is likely to remain strong.
Westminster Mint is proud to announce that it will have the 2025 release available for purchase as soon as it becomes available. Known for offering the highest quality modern and historic coins, Westminster Mint looks forward to helping collectors add the next chapter of American Liberty to their collections.
Final Thoughts
The American Liberty Gold Coin Program is more than a collectible—it’s a powerful statement about who we are as a nation. It honors the past while embracing the present and looking toward the future. With low mintages, high artistic value, and cultural significance, these gold coins continue to shine as modern masterpieces of American coinage.
Stay tuned with Westminster Mint for updates and availability of the 2025 American Liberty $100 High Relief Gold Coin—and secure your piece of modern numismatic history.
