2020-W Half Ounce Gold--End of WWII 75th Anniversary PF

The 2020-W Half Ounce Gold End of World War II 75th Anniversary Proof coin is one of the most celebrated modern numismatic issues produced by the United States Mint. Struck at the West Point Mint with the prestigious “W” mintmark, this half-ounce gold proof commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Allied victory that ended the Second World War in 1945. Crafted in .9999 fine (24-karat) gold and finished to impeccable proof quality, the coin captures both the solemnity of remembrance and the pride of peace hard-won. Its mintage was limited and demand was overwhelming upon release, making it one of the most coveted American commemorative gold coins of the 21st century.

The obverse design features a classic image of Liberty adapted from the original 1945 obverse of the American Gold Eagle’s forerunner—the iconic 1945 Victory medal motif—reinterpreted by the U.S. Mint’s artists to convey renewal and triumph. Liberty is depicted advancing confidently, her hair flowing, holding a laurel branch in her right hand and the olive branch of peace in her left. The fine engraving of the folds of her gown and the radiating rays of sunlight behind her evoke hope emerging from darkness, a metaphor for the post-war dawn. Around the border appear the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “2020 W,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The proof finish heightens every line, with frosted relief standing in luminous contrast to the mirrored fields.

The reverse of the coin presents a powerful yet minimalist design that has become an instant classic in modern American commemoratives. It depicts a single sunburst behind a triumphant eagle in flight, clutching an olive branch in its talons. The composition is bold and uncluttered, emphasizing grace, power, and peace. The inscriptions “75th ANNIVERSARY END OF WORLD WAR II,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1/2 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD,” and the denomination “$25” are arranged harmoniously around the perimeter. The mirrored proof fields seem to radiate from the eagle itself, enhancing the sense of movement and victory. The combination of strength and serenity in the reverse captures the spirit of the era it commemorates—a world rebuilding from conflict toward a renewed hope for unity.

At 27 millimeters in diameter and containing one-half troy ounce of pure gold, the coin strikes an ideal balance between presence and elegance. The high-relief proof surfaces display remarkable clarity, and each coin was struck multiple times under controlled conditions to bring out its sculptural depth. The edge is reeded, and the precision of the die work ensures a flawless transition between the raised design elements and the gleaming fields. The 24-karat composition, introduced by the U.S. Mint in its American Buffalo program, ensures rich, natural color and resistance to tarnish, giving the piece a warm golden glow symbolic of enduring peace.

The mintage of the 2020-W Half Ounce Gold Proof was strictly limited to just 7,500 pieces, a number that made it an immediate sell-out upon release on November 9, 2020. Collectors and investors rushed to acquire it, not only for its gold content but also for its thematic and historical resonance. It was issued alongside a matching silver medal and other 75th anniversary commemoratives, each honoring the end of World War II and the sacrifices of those who served. The extremely low mintage and universal appeal of the design have ensured sustained interest, with graded examples achieving top Proof-70 Deep Cameo designations commanding significant premiums in the secondary market.

Each coin was presented in an elegant black lacquered display case lined with velvet and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity from the United States Mint. The presentation packaging echoed the solemn dignity of the occasion: the outer sleeve bore a gold-foil impression of the laurel wreath of victory intertwined with the dates “1945–2020,” underscoring the continuity between the generation that fought and the one that remembers. The U.S. Mint’s emphasis on artistic simplicity gave the coin an aura of reverence befitting its subject.

The coin’s release coincided with global commemorations marking three-quarters of a century since V-E Day and V-J Day. In 1945, the end of the war ushered in a new era of diplomacy, reconstruction, and global cooperation. The design’s pairing of the eagle and the olive branch alludes directly to these ideals—strength tempered by peace. Collectors and historians alike regard this coin as a modern counterpart to the 1945 victory medals and wartime coinage that once symbolized national unity. Its artistry communicates gratitude, remembrance, and optimism, linking past sacrifice to present freedom.

The craftsmanship of the West Point Mint ensured that each proof specimen achieved near-perfection. The frosted details of Liberty and the eagle stand out sharply from their mirror-polished surroundings, and under magnification the fine texture of the devices reveals no visible die polishing marks or imperfections. The mirrored fields are so highly reflective that they create an almost liquid-gold appearance, giving depth and vibrancy to the design. Collectors who handle the coin in proper protective gloves can appreciate its weight and smoothness, the unmistakable tactile assurance of genuine 24-karat gold.

In condition, Proof examples are expected to display absolute brilliance and unbroken mirror surfaces. Coins graded PF-70 Ultra Cameo or Deep Cameo are considered perfect, showing no hairlines, frosting breaks, or handling marks. The contrast between the matte relief and the reflective background is striking, producing a cameo effect that highlights every artistic nuance. Over time, the coin’s gold surfaces may develop a faint, warm patina that enhances its visual richness, a natural evolution of pure gold untouched by alloying metals.

The 2020-W Half Ounce End of World War II 75th Anniversary Gold Proof stands out not only for its beauty but also for its profound symbolism. It serves as a numismatic monument to a pivotal moment in world history and to the ideals of peace, resilience, and freedom that emerged from the ashes of global conflict. By marrying the highest standards of minting with timeless imagery, the United States Mint created a piece that transcends mere bullion value. It appeals to patriots, historians, and collectors alike as a tribute cast in gold to the enduring human aspiration for peace.

Today, this limited-edition proof is regarded as one of the most important American commemorative gold coins of its decade. Its low mintage, flawless proof finish, and powerful message ensure its status as both an investment-grade collectible and an heirloom piece. Whether displayed in its original case or encapsulated and graded, the 2020-W Half Ounce Gold End of World War II 75th Anniversary Proof remains a shining tribute to victory, remembrance, and the eternal pursuit of harmony among nations—an enduring work of art and history forged in pure gold.