American Liberty 225th Anniversary Wins ‘Best Gold’ for 2017 Dated COTY
The U.S. Mint took home “Best Gold Coin” honors at the 2019 Krause Coin of the Year Awards (COTY). The winning American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin, dated 2017, features a modern interpretation of Lady Liberty. It commemorates the founding of the United States Mint in 1792. The U.S. Mint also won “Most Inspirational Coin” for its Boys Town Centennial Silver Dollar.
The high relief American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin is the second coin in a biennial program pushed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee to encourage United States Mint artists to think about the concept of liberty in new and modern ways. The biennial program is authorized by the Secretary of the Treasury and not with legislation which would otherwise be required for United States Commemorative or regular issue coins.
“It is a spectacular coin, which honors both the Mint and the significant role that Lady Liberty has played as a symbol of our country. It is my great honor to receive the award for Best Gold Coin on behalf of the United States Mint,” Director David J. Ryder said.
“The coin being recognized is truly special to our team. It was minted in 2017 to mark the 225th anniversary of the United States Mint. To observe this milestone, we proudly introduced the 2017 American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin featuring a modern rendition of Lady Liberty. This coin garnered a great deal of attention and sparked an interest in collecting for many who had never considered the hobby before,” said Ryder.
The obverse features a profile of Liberty wearing a crown of stars, and was designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “1792,” “2017,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The reverse features a bold and powerful eagle in flight, with eyes toward opportunity and a determination to attain it. The reverse was designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso. It features the following inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1 OZ.,” “.9999 FINE GOLD,” and “100 DOLLARS.”
The American Liberty 225th Anniversary Gold Coin, which was struck at the U.S. Mint’s West Point production facility, measures 30.61 mm and weighs one ounce. It is 99.99% 24–karat gold with a denomination of $100. Silver versions of the design were made as medals.