Coin Facts
- Mint Dates: 2015-present
- Designer: Varies
- Composition: 99.99% gold
- 1 Troy oz coin
- Diameter: 30.61 mm
- Thickness: 3.128 mm
- Gross Weight: 1 troy ounce
- Other coin sizes: 1/10
The American Liberty Coin honors freedom through a modern design of Liberty. Crafted in 24-karat gold and fine silver, these coins are sought by collectors and investors.
While the coin holds artistic and collectible value, continue reading to see if it aligns with your financial goals.
About the American Liberty Coin
The American Liberty coin is the first $100 gold coin issued by the U.S. Mint. A new coin is minted every other year, celebrating America’s founding principles of freedom and liberty.
History
The American Liberty coin was first minted in 2015. The coin celebrates American values of freedom and liberty through modern depictions of Liberty.
In 2017, the U.S. Mint marked its 225th anniversary with a special edition of the American Liberty coin. This coin portrays an African-American version of Liberty, highlighting the cultural diversity of the United States.
Gold and silver versions are both available. The gold coin is a one troy ounce coin made of 99.99% pure gold and is the first $100 gold coin issued by the U.S. Mint.
The silver version is made from 99.9% fine silver and is a collector’s medal rather than a legal tender coin.
Unlike other coins, the American Liberty coin is minted every other year in limited quantities at West Point.
This makes it a popular option for investors and collectors alike.
Design
The American Liberty coin represents symbols of freedom and liberty. Each new coin release represents a new design of Liberty.
The obverse of the American Liberty gold coin includes the following inscriptions:
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- W for West Point
- Year
The reverse includes symbols of the American eagle representing the United States with the inscriptions:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- 1 OZ .9999 FINE GOLD
- $100
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
New designs are submitted to the U.S. Mint through the Artistic Infusion Program.
The United States Commission of Fine Arts reviews proposed designs, recommending options to the U.S. Mint. The Mint has the final say in which ones are used.
The American Liberty coin is minted every other year and has had the following designs:
- 2015: Liberty holding a torch and an American flag
- 2017: Liberty depicted as an African-American woman wearing a crown of stars
- 2019: Liberty with 13 rays emanating from her headdress
- 2021: Mustang horse bucking off a saddle
- 2023: Bristlecone pine
The reverse of all coins depict different variations of an eagle. Coins have a reeded edge with the exception of the 2017 which has a lettered edge.
Silver medals are produced from one ounce of fine silver and feature the same design as the gold coins.
The obverse includes the inscriptions:
- LIBERTY
- WE SHALL PERSEVERE
- Initial of mint location
- Year
The reverse includes the inscriptions:
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Silver medals are not legal tender and do not bear a denomination.
Minting & Distribution
A new coin is minted each year with limited mintages, making the American Liberty coin more of a collectible coin than a bullion investment.
| Year | Authorized Mintage | Actual Mintage | Silver Medal Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 50,000 | 49,325 | 25,000* |
| 2017 | 100,000 | – | – |
| 2019 | 50,000 | – | – |
| 2021 | 12,500 | 12,471 | 75,000** |
| 2023 | 12,500 | 12,187 | – |
**Minted in 2022
Gold coins are minted in West Point while the silver medals are minted at the West Point, Philadelphia, or San Francisco mints.
Proof and uncirculated coins are both offered with different finishes to appeal to collectors. Aside from the standard one ounce mintage, a 1/10 ounce gold coin is also available for select mintages.
In 2017, the U.S. Mint issued a special coin commemorating the Mint’s 225th anniversary. This was the first time liberty was represented as an African-American woman.
While coins are minted every other year, silver medal production does not follow the same minting schedule.
Best Places to Buy American Liberty Coins
I’ve listed my top 3 favorite places online that I like to buy my American Liberty coins from.
Goldco
Goldco is a reputable precious metals dealer that offers the American Liberty Coin for direct purchase or inclusion in a gold IRA.
JM Bullion
JM Bullion is a Dallas-based online precious metals retailer with more than a decade of experience. Investors can purchase American Liberty coins directly from the company’s website.
APMEX
Founded in 2000, APMEX is an online precious metals marketplace offering the American Liberty Coin.
Are American Liberty coins a good investment?
American Liberty Coins combine investment value with artistic designing, making them appeal to investors and collectors.
The unique designs and limited mintages may make them more valuable than similar coins produced by the U.S. Mint.
While gold is a good hedge against inflation, demand for individual designs can vary. Evaluate each coin individually to see whether adding it to your portfolio aligns with your financial goals.
