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The Certified Commemorative $5 Gold 1999-W Washington PF70 NGC is a beautifully crafted tribute to George Washington, the revered leader of the American Revolution and the first President of the United States. Issued by the United States Mint to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Washington’s death in 1799, this gold coin captures the enduring legacy of a man often referred to as the “Father of His Country.” Struck at the West Point Mint, and bearing the “W” mintmark, the 1999-W Washington gold coin combines historical significance with artistic excellence. Certified by NGC as PF70, the highest grade possible for a proof coin, this specimen represents a perfect blend of flawless quality and deep national reverence.
The George Washington Commemorative Coin Act authorized the creation of the 1999-W gold $5 coin to honor Washington’s extraordinary contributions to the founding and early leadership of the United States. Washington’s leadership during the Revolutionary War, his presiding role over the Constitutional Convention, and his precedent-setting presidency made him a natural choice for a commemorative issue marking the bicentennial of his passing. The 1999-W Washington $5 gold coin was part of a broader commemorative series that included silver dollars, but the gold coin holds particular appeal due to its connection to the historic tradition of gold coinage in America and the prestige associated with commemorative gold issues.
The obverse of the coin was designed by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Laura Gardin Fraser, based on her 1931 bust of George Washington. Fraser’s design had originally been submitted for the Washington Quarter competition but was not selected at the time, despite widespread praise. In 1999, her portrait finally received the recognition it deserved, gracing this elegant gold coin. The obverse features a left-facing bust of Washington, portrayed with a classical realism that captures both his strength and humility. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “GEORGE WASHINGTON,” and the dual dates “1732-1799,” with the mint year “1999” below. In a PF70 example, every detail of Washington’s hair, facial features, and the delicate folds of his attire are rendered with stunning clarity against deep, mirror-like fields.
The reverse of the coin, designed by U.S. Mint engraver John Mercanti, features Washington’s family home, Mount Vernon, rendered with intricate architectural detail. The depiction shows the famous mansion from a frontal perspective, complete with its cupola, windows, and sprawling porches. Above Mount Vernon are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” while the denomination “FIVE DOLLARS” is displayed below the image. The reverse’s classical design ties the coin to the nation’s founding era and Washington’s personal legacy as a gentleman farmer and private citizen. On a Proof 70 specimen, the fine lines of Mount Vernon’s structure and the surrounding grounds are sharp, and the fields are impeccably polished, enhancing the coin’s breathtaking visual appeal.
The 1999-W Washington $5 gold coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% alloy (primarily copper), weighing 8.359 grams and containing 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold. It has a diameter of 21.6 millimeters and features a reeded edge. These specifications are consistent with traditional U.S. half eagle gold coins, lending the commemorative a sense of continuity with the nation’s coinage heritage. Struck in proof quality, the coin was manufactured with specialized dies and multiple strikes to achieve the high-contrast finish between frosted devices and mirror-like fields that defines modern proof coinage. The West Point Mint’s reputation for producing exquisite proof coins is fully on display with this issue, and the PF70 designation confirms that the coin is free from any post-production imperfections.
The authorized maximum mintage for the 1999-W Washington $5 gold coin was 100,000 pieces, but actual demand fell short of this limit. A total of 41,693 proof coins were sold, making it a relatively low-mintage issue within the modern commemorative gold series. Among these, only a small fraction have been graded by NGC as PF70, the perfect grade that collectors seek for top-tier modern coins. This scarcity in perfect condition adds to the desirability of the coin, particularly among those assembling full sets of modern U.S. commemorative gold coins or seeking numismatic investments with both historical and aesthetic appeal.
In Proof 70 condition, the 1999-W Washington $5 gold coin is a model of perfection. The fields are deeply mirrored, producing a rich and lustrous effect that highlights every detail of the frosted portrait of Washington and the intricate rendering of Mount Vernon. No hairlines, scratches, or handling marks mar the surfaces, and the devices are fully struck and crisply defined. The frosted elements appear to float above the gleaming background, creating a dramatic and visually stunning contrast that enhances the artistic beauty of both obverse and reverse designs. Encapsulated in a secure NGC holder, the coin’s perfect preservation is assured for generations to come.
The appeal of the 1999-W Washington $5 gold coin extends beyond its flawless appearance. The coin serves as a tribute to Washington’s multifaceted legacy as a soldier, statesman, and citizen. It reminds collectors and historians alike of the values he championed: liberty, service, and national unity. Moreover, the use of Laura Gardin Fraser’s long-overlooked portrait injects an additional layer of historical resonance, paying homage not only to Washington himself but to one of America’s most talented and underappreciated coin designers. As such, the coin has a dual significance—commemorating both the nation's founding leader and celebrating the rich tradition of American numismatic artistry.
Collectors who pursue U.S. gold commemorative coins prize the 1999-W Washington $5 gold coin for its beauty, its subject matter, and its relative scarcity in top grades. It fits naturally into collections that focus on American history, presidential memorabilia, or modern gold proofs. Investors also appreciate its strong fundamentals: limited mintage, high gold content, perfect condition, and broad collector appeal. Whether acquired as a stand-alone piece or as part of a comprehensive commemorative gold set, the coin represents a blend of tangible value and enduring symbolic meaning that few other modern issues can match.
The Certified Commemorative $5 Gold 1999-W Washington PF70 NGC is a shining tribute to the legacy of George Washington, crafted with exceptional artistry and preserved in flawless condition. With its elegant designs, historical resonance, and perfect Proof 70 grade, it stands among the finest examples of modern U.S. commemorative gold coinage. For collectors, historians, and investors alike, the 1999-W Washington gold coin offers a tangible connection to the ideals that shaped the United States and to the timeless figure who helped forge its identity.