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The Certified $100 Gold Union Five Ounce Proposed 1876 Design Struck 2014 NGC Gem Proof Vertical is a stunning numismatic achievement that blends historical fantasy with modern minting mastery. This extraordinary piece pays tribute to a coin that was proposed but never struck in the 19th century: the legendary $100 Gold Union. Originally conceptualized in 1876 by George T. Morgan, who would later go on to design the iconic Morgan Silver Dollar, the Gold Union was intended to represent the ultimate in U.S. gold coinage, symbolizing national strength and economic power during America’s centennial year. Though the coin never materialized in its time, the design was resurrected and realized in 2014 through private mintage in a monumental five-ounce proof format, allowing collectors to finally own a vision that had only ever existed on paper.
The obverse of this five-ounce gold masterpiece features a powerful rendition of Liberty, based on Morgan’s original sketches for the proposed Union coin. Liberty is shown wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY,” her profile facing left, reminiscent of the classical style favored in the late 19th century. Her hair is finely detailed and flows beneath a cap with exceptional realism and grace. Around the rim are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, along with the date “1876,” anchoring the design in the centennial moment it was meant to commemorate. In the Gem Proof specimen certified by NGC, this obverse is executed with the highest fidelity, exhibiting deep mirrored fields and heavily frosted devices that produce dramatic cameo contrast and impeccable visual sharpness.
The reverse design is equally commanding, bearing a bold heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons—a timeless symbol of both war readiness and peace. Above the eagle appears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” within a radiant sunburst, while the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS” arc around the edge. The coin’s massive five-ounce size allows the reverse details to be rendered with extraordinary clarity, capturing every feather and fold of the design in three-dimensional relief. The proof finish enhances every element, and in the vertical presentation slab issued by NGC, the coin’s scale and majesty are on full display, making it as much a showpiece as a coin.
This five-ounce Gold Union is struck from .9999 fine gold, a purity that surpasses the traditional .900 fineness of 19th-century U.S. coinage and aligns with modern bullion standards. The use of 24-karat gold ensures not only the coin’s intrinsic value but also a rich, radiant surface luster. Weighing five troy ounces, the coin carries significant physical heft and tangible value, combining precious metal investment appeal with elite numismatic artistry. The choice to mint the piece in such a substantial size serves both as homage to its "Union" denomination—the highest ever proposed for circulation—and as a practical canvas for showcasing the elaborate intricacies of Morgan’s forgotten design.
Struck in 2014 by a private mint under legal authorization for collectible coinage, this $100 Gold Union is not a legal tender U.S. Mint issue but is recognized as a non-circulating commemorative with historical roots. Its limited mintage and the historical significance of the resurrected design elevate its status among modern commemoratives. While exact mintage numbers vary depending on packaging and finish, all versions of the 2014 Five Ounce Gold Union were released in very limited quantities, ensuring scarcity and collectibility. The NGC-certified Gem Proof example in vertical slab is among the most visually impressive presentations available, offering an unparalleled view of the coin’s artistry in a secure, display-ready format.
The NGC Gem Proof designation signifies that this coin is of premium quality, with deeply mirrored proof surfaces, bold contrast, and superb strike quality. While Gem Proof does not assign a numeric grade, it denotes coins that would generally fall within the PF65–PF69 range, with sharp relief and minimal to no imperfections visible under magnification. In the vertical encapsulation used by NGC, the coin is showcased upright within the holder, enhancing its display potential and distinguishing it from horizontally oriented slabs. Collectors often seek out such vertical slabbed pieces for their showcase potential and the way they emphasize the grandeur and symmetry of the coin’s design in a tall, commanding presentation.
From a historical perspective, the $100 Gold Union was a vision of what might have been had the U.S. Mint pursued a higher denomination gold coin during the nation's centennial. The idea behind the Union denomination was to symbolize American industrial and financial might at a time when the country was asserting its position on the global stage. Although the coin was never officially produced in the 19th century, numismatists have long speculated on what such a coin might have looked like. The 2014 realization of this concept, especially in a five-ounce proof version, is a culmination of that historical speculation and numismatic imagination, finally bringing to life a piece of what some might call "America’s greatest what-if coin."
Collectors of modern commemoratives, gold bullion, or fantasy issues find great value in coins like the 2014 Gold Union for their artistry and narrative appeal. The coin’s connection to George T. Morgan, one of the most revered engravers in American history, adds to its importance. Morgan's influence on American coinage is unrivaled, and the Gold Union allows collectors to experience a new dimension of his work, realized in a form that he may have envisioned but never saw struck. In a market where historical pedigree and visual grandeur are equally prized, the Certified 2014 Gold Union satisfies both criteria and does so with remarkable elegance.
The coin’s condition as a certified Gem Proof example further ensures that it has been preserved to the highest standard, free of post-strike handling marks or surface imperfections that would detract from its beauty or value. The coin’s mirrored fields remain pristine, while the raised devices are crisp, frosted, and untouched by time. Encapsulation by NGC guarantees authenticity, protects the coin from environmental damage, and assures collectors of its condition. The vertical orientation of the holder adds a refined touch that allows the coin to be proudly displayed in cases or shelves designed for vertical presentation, giving it a presence that echoes the coin’s status as a monumental issue.
The Certified $100 Gold Union Five Ounce Proposed 1876 Design Struck 2014 NGC Gem Proof Vertical is more than just a coin—it is a fulfillment of a numismatic dream over a century in the making. With its flawless surfaces, dazzling proof finish, rich historical narrative, and connection to one of America’s greatest engravers, this coin holds a special place in the world of collectible gold. For those who appreciate the intersection of history, rarity, and artistic excellence, this piece offers a remarkable and enduring symbol of numismatic imagination realized in brilliant 24-karat gold. Whether acquired as a statement piece or as a cornerstone of a specialized collection, it represents the grandeur of what might have been—and now finally is.