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The Certified American Liberty High Relief $10 2018-W PR70 Black Core is a modern numismatic showpiece that combines artistic innovation, flawless quality, and exceptional presentation. Struck from 1/10 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold by the United States Mint at West Point, this coin is part of the American Liberty series, which redefines traditional portrayals of Liberty through modern symbolism and design. The 2018 issue marked a new chapter for the series by offering a smaller, more accessible high-relief gold coin with the same artistic gravitas as its one-ounce predecessors. The coin’s certification by NGC in perfect Proof 70 condition, paired with their dramatic black core holder, further enhances its aesthetic appeal and market desirability.
The American Liberty series was launched in 2015 as a bold reimagining of Liberty for a new era. Breaking from the classical European imagery that dominated American coinage for over a century, the series introduced diverse and powerful depictions of Liberty in high relief, often emphasizing inclusivity and forward-looking ideals. The 2018-W $10 High Relief Gold Coin was the first tenth-ounce entry in this series, aiming to expand its audience by delivering exceptional design and gold purity in a compact, affordable format. It quickly became a favorite among collectors for its size, beauty, and artistic value.
The obverse of the 2018-W American Liberty $10 coin showcases a striking and contemporary portrait of Liberty. Her profile is forward-facing and assertive, adorned with a radiating crown reminiscent of sunbursts or torch flames. This headdress symbolizes enlightenment and hope, giving a modern twist to the classical allegory of Liberty. The design was created by artist Justin Kunz and engraved by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso. Surrounding Liberty’s head are thirteen stars representing the original colonies, as well as inscriptions for “LIBERTY,” the year “2018,” and the national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The reverse features a powerful image of a bald eagle in flight, wings arched upward and fully extended. Designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, the eagle represents strength, independence, and America’s enduring spirit. The image captures the bird in motion, creating a sense of vitality and purpose that complements the obverse. Reverse inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “1/10 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD,” and the face value “$10.” The artistry of both sides benefits greatly from the high-relief format, which gives depth and texture to every detail of the eagle’s feathers and Liberty’s features.
The coin’s high-relief format is a significant technical achievement, as it requires specially prepared dies and greater striking pressure than standard proofs. This allows the designs to stand out dramatically from the mirror-like fields, producing an elevated sense of dimension and realism. The U.S. Mint’s ability to strike such small gold planchets with exceptional clarity and contrast speaks to the advanced capabilities of the West Point Mint, where the coin was produced. The “W” mintmark is clearly visible, affirming its origin from one of America’s premier precious metal facilities.
Certified by NGC in PF70 Ultra Cameo, the coin has been graded at the absolute top of the Sheldon scale. PF70 denotes a proof coin with no visible imperfections even under 5x magnification, indicating the highest possible strike quality, luster, and surface preservation. The “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) designation refers to the sharp contrast between deeply mirrored fields and frosted design elements—a hallmark of premium proof coinage. Coins in this condition are highly sought after, especially by registry set collectors who only accept top-graded examples.
What makes this specimen stand out further is its encapsulation in an NGC black core holder. Unlike the standard white core, the black core provides a dramatic backdrop that enhances the coin’s gold luster and cameo contrast. It draws the eye to the coin’s relief and detail, offering a refined, museum-quality presentation that’s favored by elite collectors. Combined with the perfect grade and modern design, the black core presentation turns the coin into a visual statement piece worthy of premium display.
The total mintage of the 2018-W American Liberty $10 High Relief Gold Coin was limited to 49,993 pieces. Given its artistic importance, fractional size, and high-relief format, demand was strong upon release. However, only a portion of these coins received the coveted PF70 grade, and even fewer were certified in black core holders, which are often reserved for special releases or requested by discerning collectors. This rarity within a limited mintage adds to the coin’s long-term desirability and value potential.
Additionally, the coin was originally released by the U.S. Mint in a black presentation case with a certificate of authenticity, underscoring its role as both a commemorative issue and an artistic celebration of American ideals. While many of these coins remain in their original Mint packaging, certified examples like this one offer peace of mind through third-party authentication, precise grading, and preservation in tamper-evident holders. These factors make certified coins ideal for investment, gifting, or inclusion in high-caliber collections.
The 2018-W $10 High Relief Gold Coin also holds significance as part of the broader narrative of evolving American numismatics. It reflects a shift toward inclusivity, modern expression, and technical artistry in U.S. coinage—characteristics that resonate with a new generation of collectors. The coin’s fractional size makes it especially attractive to those who wish to own a tangible and meaningful piece of .9999 fine gold without the higher cost of a full ounce. Its design, quality, and certification ensure that it offers far more than just bullion value.
In conclusion, the Certified American Liberty High Relief $10 2018-W PR70 Black Core is an outstanding example of contemporary U.S. minting at its finest. With its flawless grade, bold design, high-relief detail, and visually striking presentation, it embodies the future of collectible gold coinage. It is ideal for collectors who appreciate innovation and perfection, as well as for those building top-tier modern gold sets. Whether admired for its aesthetic beauty, symbolic meaning, or numismatic prestige, this coin represents an enduring testament to America’s evolving vision of liberty and artistry.