Lady Liberty has appeared on American coins since the very first U.S. Mint issues. In 2015, the United States Mint began a new chapter with the American Liberty High Relief gold coin series — a modern, artistic reinterpretation of Liberty struck in stunning high relief. These coins quickly became favorites with collectors of modern gold.
The Series at a Glance
- Metal: one troy ounce of 24-karat (.9999 fine) gold.
- Face value: $100.
- Mint: struck at the West Point Mint, carrying the “W” mintmark.
- Finish: high relief, with deeply sculpted design elements.
- Schedule: new designs have been released periodically, each in limited numbers.
Notable Issues
2015-W American Liberty High Relief
The first coin in the series introduced a modern Liberty wearing a crown of stars, with an eagle in flight on the reverse. Its mintage was limited to 50,000 coins, and as the debut issue it remains especially popular.
2017-W American Liberty (225th Anniversary)
Issued for the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Mint, this coin made history as the first U.S. coin to portray Liberty as an African American woman. Its mintage was limited to 100,000.
Later releases
Subsequent issues have continued to present fresh interpretations of Liberty — often with lower mintage limits than the early years — and each new design has drawn strong interest from collectors.
Why These Coins Are So Collectible
- Limited mintages: far below typical U.S. bullion coin production.
- Artistic designs: each issue offers a distinctive, modern portrayal of Liberty.
- High relief craftsmanship: deeply struck designs that catch the light beautifully.
- Pure gold: a full ounce of .9999 gold gives every coin a solid metal value.
- Strong demand for top grades: coins certified in perfect 70 grades by leading services are especially sought after.
Tips for Collectors
- Check the year and mintage: lower-mintage issues tend to command higher premiums.
- Consider certified coins: grading confirms authenticity and condition, and makes resale easier.
- Keep original packaging: for raw coins, the original mint box and certificate can help resale value.
- Handle with care: high-relief surfaces show marks easily, so keep coins in their capsules.
The Bottom Line
The American Liberty High Relief series combines pure gold, limited mintages and some of the most striking modern designs from the U.S. Mint. Whether you collect every issue or choose a favorite, these coins are a beautiful way to own a piece of modern American numismatic history.
This article is for general information only and is not investment advice.