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The Certified Commemorative $5 Gold 2002-W Olympics MS70 NGC stands as a pristine example of modern U.S. commemorative gold coinage, celebrating the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Struck by the West Point Mint and bearing the “W” mintmark, this piece honors both the tradition of the Olympic Games and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience, especially poignant following the national challenges of 2001. Authorized by Congress as part of a commemorative program intended to fund the Olympic Committee and promote the ideals of international sportsmanship, the $5 gold coin captures the significance of the event with elegant design and flawless minting. Certified in Mint State 70 condition by NGC, the coin represents perfection, having no post-production flaws even under magnification, making it highly sought after by collectors and investors alike.
The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics were the first Winter Games hosted by the United States since 1980 and only the fourth Olympic Games hosted by the U.S. overall. Taking place just months after the September 11 attacks, the Games served as a symbol of hope, unity, and perseverance both for Americans and for the world. Congress passed legislation to authorize a commemorative coin series, including silver dollars and $5 gold pieces, to mark the event and support Olympic endeavors. The $5 gold coin commemorates not only the Games themselves but also the enduring ideals of peace, international fellowship, and excellence that the Olympics embody. Its issuance at this moment in history gave it additional emotional weight, linking the commemorative coin to a pivotal moment in modern American history.
The obverse design of the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin, created by Donna Weaver, features the symbolic passing of the Olympic flame from one hand to another. This iconic moment represents the transmission of the Olympic spirit and the unity of nations and generations. The hands and flame are depicted with bold lines and strong composition, while radiating beams suggest the flame’s energy and the spreading of the Olympic ideals across the globe. The inscriptions on the obverse include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “2002,” with the “W” mintmark denoting its origin at West Point. On an MS70 example, the fine details of the hands, the swirling flame, and the radiating beams are sharply struck, with surfaces that are free of abrasions, marks, or any flaws, resulting in a flawless and visually striking presentation.
The reverse design, created by John Mercanti, depicts the official Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic logo, a stylized snowflake formed by a combination of geometric patterns and natural elements, positioned above the iconic Olympic rings. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “FIVE DOLLARS” surround the central image. The logo’s design reflects the spirit of winter sports while symbolizing the dynamic and modern character of the 2002 Games. On a certified MS70 specimen, every element of the reverse is crisply defined, from the sharp angles of the snowflake to the interlocking Olympic rings, with smooth, satiny fields and perfectly preserved design elements, showcasing the exceptional quality achieved by the West Point Mint.
The 2002-W $5 Olympic gold coin is composed of 90% gold and 10% copper, the traditional alloy used for U.S. gold coins for much of the nation's history. Each coin weighs 8.359 grams, measures 21.6 millimeters in diameter, and contains 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold. The coin was struck in both Proof and Mint State finishes, with the Mint State versions like this one intended for collectors who appreciate the classic satin luster of uncirculated coinage. The Mint State format highlights the coin’s elegant design in a clean and brilliant finish, offering a more traditional, business-strike look compared to the mirrored surfaces of the proof version. The MS70 grade indicates that this coin represents the very highest level of preservation possible for a Mint State coin, an important distinction for serious collectors.
The authorized maximum mintage for the 2002-W $5 Olympic gold coin across both formats was set at 80,000 pieces. However, actual sales fell considerably below that number, with just over 32,000 sold for the proof and Mint State versions combined. Of those, only a limited portion were Mint State strikes, making MS70 specimens quite scarce. Among these, only a small number have been graded MS70 by NGC, meaning flawless uncirculated examples are highly prized within the numismatic community. The combination of relatively low mintage, historic importance, and absolute perfection in grading makes the 2002-W Olympic gold coin in MS70 a premium acquisition for collectors who focus on modern U.S. gold issues or Olympic-themed collections.
The condition of the Certified Commemorative $5 Gold 2002-W Olympics MS70 NGC is absolutely flawless, with no contact marks, hairlines, or surface imperfections of any kind. The luster is full and satiny, providing a rich, attractive sheen that enhances the design’s visual depth. The edges are sharp and clean, and the devices stand out prominently against the smooth fields. The passing of the torch, the radiating energy, and the precision of the Olympic logo on the reverse are all displayed at the highest level of craftsmanship achievable by the U.S. Mint. Encapsulated in NGC’s secure holder with an MS70 label, the coin’s perfect state is preserved for future generations and its provenance is guaranteed, adding further confidence for collectors and investors alike.
Beyond its numismatic and artistic appeal, the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin also carries significant emotional and historical resonance. It commemorates not only the Olympic ideals of peace, competition, and excellence but also the American spirit at a time when unity and resilience were particularly vital. The Salt Lake City Games became a symbol of global solidarity, and this coin serves as a lasting tribute to that moment. The timelessness of the design, paired with the inherent value of its gold content and its perfect preservation, makes the coin an outstanding addition to any collection focused on American history, Olympic memorabilia, or high-grade modern gold coinage.
The Certified Commemorative $5 Gold 2002-W Olympics MS70 NGC stands at the intersection of beauty, history, and numismatic excellence. Struck to honor one of the most meaningful Olympic Games in recent memory and produced with precision and care at the West Point Mint, it is a coin that captures a powerful story and preserves it in pure gold. Its flawless MS70 grade ensures that it will remain an enduring symbol of American craftsmanship, resilience, and commitment to the highest ideals of international unity and athletic achievement. For collectors seeking the very best in modern commemorative gold, the 2002-W Olympic $5 gold coin is an essential and truly inspiring choice.