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The Certified $100 Platinum Union 1 Ounce Proposed 1876 Design, struck in 2014 and graded Gem Proof by NGC, is a modern numismatic masterpiece that bridges the conceptual history of 19th-century American coinage with the technical precision of 21st-century minting. This platinum coin revives the long-rumored but never-realized "Union" denomination, which was proposed as a $100 coin during the late 1800s. Though never struck in its time, the idea was revived over a century later by private minters and numismatic visionaries, producing this stunning commemorative piece in pure platinum. The result is a coin that evokes the ambition and artistry of America’s classic coinage age while utilizing one of the world’s rarest and most prestigious precious metals.
The original concept for the $100 Union coin dates back to 1876, a time when the United States was celebrating its centennial and experimenting with ambitious proposals in coinage. George T. Morgan, who would later design the iconic Morgan Silver Dollar, was active during this era. There is no conclusive evidence that official dies were ever prepared for a $100 gold coin, but the name “Union” appears in contemporary U.S. Mint documents and was floated as a theoretical denomination. Though no such coin ever came to fruition in the 19th century, numismatic interest in what such a coin might have looked like has remained strong for generations. The 2014 platinum issue brings that “what if” to life with artistic integrity and impressive technical execution.
This one-ounce platinum coin features an elegant, high-relief obverse design inspired by classical motifs from the 19th century. It typically depicts Lady Liberty in a draped Greco-Roman style, with a laurel wreath crowning her hair and rays emanating from behind her head. The surrounding inscriptions generally include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” and the denomination “ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS.” The look is reminiscent of both Morgan and Barber-era iconography, with intricate detailing in Liberty’s hair, facial features, and gown folds. The design exudes stately grace and historical reverence, while simultaneously asserting a modern brilliance thanks to the mirrorlike fields and frosted devices of its proof finish.
The reverse is equally rich in design and symbolic power. It often features an American bald eagle with wings spread wide, perched atop a Union shield or clutching arrows and an olive branch—classic symbols of strength and peace. Surrounding the eagle are inscriptions denoting “1 OZ .9995 PLATINUM,” “GEM PROOF,” and the date of issue. The heraldic design references both the Great Seal of the United States and traditional American coinage, further reinforcing the historical spirit of the Union denomination. The deeply mirrored background contrasts beautifully with the frosted surfaces of the eagle and lettering, creating a visually striking numismatic work of art.
This Platinum Union piece was struck in 2014 by a private mint rather than a government facility, but its craftsmanship rivals that of any official sovereign mint. The coin is composed of one troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum, one of the most valuable and least reactive precious metals in the world. Platinum’s rarity and industrial demand, combined with its clean, silvery-white sheen, make it a particularly prestigious choice for such a historically themed coin. While gold and silver are more common in commemorative strikes, platinum’s use here underscores the modernity and exclusivity of this issue.
Graded Gem Proof by NGC, the coin exhibits the highest level of finish achievable in modern minting. A “Gem Proof” designation implies deeply mirrored fields, frosted design elements, and surfaces free of visible imperfections to the naked eye. This level of quality requires both immaculate planchets and precision striking, often with multiple strikes to fully bring out the fine detail and high relief. The mirrored fields of the coin create a stark and pleasing contrast with the raised elements, producing an effect known as “cameo contrast” that is highly sought after by collectors of modern proofs.
Unlike many bullion or commemorative issues, the Platinum Union is not part of a recurring series, making it both a standalone rarity and a tribute to numismatic creativity. Mintage for such private proof issues is typically quite limited, often restricted to a few hundred or thousand pieces at most. Exact mintage figures may vary depending on the issuing entity, but scarcity and collector interest have made these coins premium items in modern platinum coinage. The coin’s historical backstory, limited availability, and platinum content all contribute to its collectible and intrinsic value.
The Platinum Union issue appeals to several collecting niches: enthusiasts of fantasy or what-if coinage, fans of 19th-century U.S. Mint history, and investors in platinum bullion. It also attracts collectors who appreciate designs inspired by classic American coinage but executed with modern technology and metals. The crossover appeal means these coins are often quickly absorbed into both numismatic and bullion collections, making them difficult to obtain once the initial offering is sold out.
The packaging and presentation of such a coin are often as carefully curated as the coin itself. These pieces usually come housed in deluxe presentation boxes with numbered certificates of authenticity and detailed background information about the design’s origin and historical inspiration. When encapsulated and certified by NGC, the coin is sealed in a tamper-proof holder with an identification label indicating its grade, year of issue, and metal content, which further enhances its security, display quality, and resale potential.
In summary, the Certified $100 Platinum Union 1 Ounce Proposed 1876 Design Struck 2014 NGC Gem Proof is a visionary numismatic creation that celebrates a historic “might-have-been” with modern materials and excellence. It unites the romanticism of post-Civil War American coinage proposals with the allure and rarity of platinum, producing a coin that is both historically meaningful and materially prestigious. With its limited mintage, impeccable proof quality, and artistic nod to classical U.S. coinage, it stands as a bold and beautiful tribute to American numismatic imagination.