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The American Liberty 2015-W High Relief Gold Coin marks a significant and innovative entry in the modern era of U.S. Mint coinage. Released as a one-ounce .9999 fine gold coin, this piece was the first high relief strike ever produced by the United States Mint using one full troy ounce of 24-karat gold. It was issued as a stand-alone commemorative release to honor America’s evolving ideals of liberty and to showcase the Mint’s advanced technological capabilities in modern coin design. Carrying a face value of $100, the highest ever for a U.S. gold coin at the time, the 2015-W American Liberty Gold Coin stands apart in both artistic presentation and historical importance. The coin was released on July 30, 2015, and was housed in an elegant, black lacquered presentation case accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, packaged within a U.S. Mint outer box.
Designed for impact both visually and symbolically, the obverse of the coin features a striking rendition of Liberty as a modern African-American woman, facing left, wearing a crown of stars. The design, created by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, reimagines the classical Liberty image with a contemporary flair, representing an inclusive and forward-looking interpretation of American values. The word “LIBERTY” arches along the top, with the year “2015” prominently centered near the bottom rim. To the left of Liberty’s chin, the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “W” for the West Point Mint appear. The design garnered attention for its departure from traditional Greco-Roman Liberty depictions and stands as a milestone in diversifying American numismatic imagery.
The reverse, designed by Paul Balan and sculpted by Don Everhart, showcases a bold and powerful American bald eagle rising in flight, wings lifted and forward claws extended. The eagle is captured in liftoff, symbolizing strength, independence, and national ambition. Surrounding the eagle are inscriptions reading “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD,” “$100,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The high relief strike of this reverse gives the eagle a dynamic, almost three-dimensional appearance, enhancing the illusion of motion and depth. The coin’s surface gleams with a rich, proof-like finish that emphasizes the precision and intensity of the sculpted detail.
This coin was minted at the West Point Mint, denoted by the “W” mintmark. The Mint applied its most advanced techniques to achieve a deep and consistent high-relief strike, a process requiring multiple presses and exacting pressure to bring out the design’s full depth and clarity. The planchets used were specially prepared and polished to ensure that each coin had a flawless mirror-like surface and sharp definition. These measures make the 2015-W American Liberty coin one of the most technically refined pieces in U.S. Mint history. The meticulous production process mirrors the ambition behind the coin’s creation—to both honor liberty and set a new benchmark for modern coinage quality.
The mintage of the 2015-W High Relief American Liberty Gold Coin was limited to just 49,325 coins. The maximum authorized mintage was 50,000 pieces, and the coin initially sold for $1,490.00. The mintage figure is considered relatively low for a modern commemorative issue, increasing its appeal to both collectors and investors. The rapid initial sales and high demand led to a temporary sellout before additional coins were made available, further stoking interest in the issue. Today, the mintage figure solidifies the 2015-W High Relief Liberty as one of the more desirable modern U.S. gold releases and the first in an ongoing series of American Liberty-themed high relief coins.
In terms of physical specifications, the coin has a diameter of 30.61 millimeters and weighs precisely one troy ounce (31.103 grams). Its composition of 99.99% pure gold (24-karat) makes it the highest purity gold coin regularly issued by the U.S. Mint. The reeded edge adds an element of classic security, and the brilliant proof-like surfaces offer aesthetic appeal that surpasses typical bullion coins. The coin was struck on specially prepared blanks and housed in a government-issued black lacquer presentation box lined with velvet and accompanied by an official certificate of authenticity, issued by the U.S. Mint. Collectors prize coins that remain in this original government packaging (OGP), especially those that are untouched or never certified, as they maintain their full provenance and presentation value.
In original government packaging and ungraded, the coin still commands a premium over spot gold due to its low mintage, artistry, and collector demand. Typical secondary market values range from approximately $2,000 to $2,300 depending on gold’s market price and current collector interest. However, coins graded by PCGS or NGC as perfect MS70 or SP70 examples, especially with special designations like “First Strike” or “Early Releases,” may command even higher premiums. That said, many collectors prefer the coin in OGP as it retains the full original presentation and authenticity as issued directly from the U.S. Mint.
The condition of a coin in original government packaging is usually assumed to be near-pristine unless otherwise noted. With proper storage, such as avoiding humidity, extreme temperature changes, or handling, coins in OGP remain in excellent condition, typically equivalent to Mint State 69 or 70 if ever submitted for grading. The original black lacquer box and mint outer sleeve add further collector appeal, and the inclusion of the certificate of authenticity confirms its status as a genuine and official U.S. Mint release. Coins that have been carefully stored in their OGP are generally free of surface marks, spots, or tarnish, preserving their full numismatic and aesthetic value.
For collectors of modern U.S. gold coinage, the 2015-W American Liberty High Relief is a must-have piece. It launched a new artistic tradition that blends the ideals of liberty with modern interpretations of American identity and diversity. Additionally, as the first $100 face value gold coin and the first high relief one-ounce gold coin from the Mint, it occupies a unique position in the lineage of American commemorative and bullion coinage. It appeals equally to collectors of numismatic artistry and investors seeking modern gold issues with low mintage and historical significance.
In conclusion, the 2015-W American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin is a landmark modern issue that celebrates evolving national ideals, technical innovation, and the enduring symbol of liberty. With its bold new imagery, state-of-the-art minting, and impressive physical presence, it stands as one of the most memorable and significant U.S. gold coins of the 21st century. For those who hold it in original government packaging, the piece offers not only tangible gold value but also historical, artistic, and collectible distinction that will endure for generations.