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The Certified Commemorative $5 Gold 2002-W Olympics PF70 NGC honors one of the most celebrated traditions in modern athletics—the Olympic Games. Struck by the West Point Mint and bearing the prestigious “W” mintmark, this coin commemorates the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, a major international event that brought together athletes from around the world to compete in the spirit of excellence, unity, and sportsmanship. Authorized by Congress as part of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Commemorative Coin Program, the $5 gold coin stands as a tribute to both the historic significance of the Games and the United States’ role as host nation. Certified by NGC as PF70, the highest attainable grade, this coin is preserved in flawless proof condition, showcasing unmatched quality, brilliance, and historic importance.
The 2002 Winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City, Utah, marked a key moment for the Olympic movement in the early 21st century. It was the first Winter Games hosted by the United States since the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, and the event carried additional significance as it occurred just months after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The Games became a symbol of resilience, unity, and peace, values that resonated strongly with the international community. Congress authorized the creation of commemorative coins—including silver dollars and $5 gold coins—to celebrate the occasion and support the Salt Lake City Olympic Committee. The $5 gold issue, crafted with care and precision by the U.S. Mint, captures the honor and spirit of the Games through exquisite design and flawless execution.
The obverse of the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin, designed by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Donna Weaver, features a striking image of the Olympic Flame being passed from one hand to another. This symbolic moment represents the passing of the Olympic spirit from one generation to the next and emphasizes themes of unity, perseverance, and international cooperation. The design is simple yet profoundly meaningful, focusing on the hands and the iconic torch, with rays of light emanating to signify hope and aspiration. The inscriptions on the obverse include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “2002,” with the “W” mintmark positioned carefully to complement the design. In PF70 condition, every detail of the torch, flame, and hands is struck to absolute perfection, with sharp frosted devices contrasted against deeply mirrored fields.
The reverse of the coin, designed by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver John Mercanti, depicts the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic logo, consisting of a stylized snowflake emblem above the Olympic rings. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arcs above the design, while “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and the denomination “FIVE DOLLARS” are positioned below. The clean, modern lines of the logo reflect the fresh spirit of the Games while preserving the traditional imagery associated with the Olympics. On a Proof 70 specimen, the symmetry and fine detailing of the snowflake and Olympic rings are flawlessly rendered, with no blemishes, haze, or imperfection of any kind, demonstrating the superior quality control of the U.S. Mint and the discerning eye of NGC grading standards.
The 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin is struck from 90% gold and 10% alloy (primarily copper), maintaining the classic American standard used in historic gold issues such as the Liberty Head and Indian Head half eagles. Each coin weighs 8.359 grams and contains 0.24187 troy ounces of pure gold. Measuring 21.6 millimeters in diameter, the coin possesses a compact yet substantial presence, combining elegance with tangible intrinsic value. The proof striking method employed at the West Point Mint involved multiple strikes with specially prepared dies and polished planchets, resulting in a brilliant mirror finish on the fields and a matte, frosted texture on the raised devices, achieving the deep cameo contrast prized by modern coin collectors.
The authorized maximum mintage for the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold proof coin was 80,000 pieces. However, actual sales were significantly lower, with only 32,877 proof coins sold, adding a layer of scarcity that enhances the coin’s desirability. Among these, only a fraction has been certified by NGC as PF70, making such examples particularly sought after by collectors who demand the highest quality specimens. The low mintage, combined with the flawless proof condition, makes the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin one of the more limited and important issues within the broader scope of modern U.S. commemorative gold coins.
The PF70 certification by NGC guarantees that this 2002-W Olympics gold coin is in absolute perfect condition, with no post-production imperfections visible under 5x magnification. The mirror fields are free from blemishes, spots, or haze, while the frosted devices display complete uniformity in texture and sharpness. The coin’s high relief and fine detail—particularly in the hands, torch, and intricate elements of the Salt Lake Olympic logo—stand out crisply and cleanly. Encapsulated in NGC’s secure, tamper-evident holder, the coin is protected for future generations, preserving its status as a flawless example of modern American commemorative gold at its best.
The historical and emotional context surrounding the 2002 Salt Lake City Games adds significantly to the appeal of the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin. Coming so soon after a national tragedy, the Games embodied the principles of endurance, hope, and international fellowship. This commemorative coin captures those ideals in precious metal form, offering a permanent reminder of a time when sport served as a unifying force for humanity. For collectors who value coins that tell powerful stories, the 2002-W Olympic gold coin offers both beauty and meaning, blending numismatic excellence with historical resonance in a way few other modern issues can match.
Collectors pursuing complete sets of U.S. modern commemorative gold coins recognize the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin as a cornerstone issue due to its elegant design, low mintage, and its PF70 condition. Likewise, Olympic memorabilia enthusiasts prize this coin as a tangible connection to one of the world’s most enduring and inspirational events. Beyond its collectibility, the coin’s intrinsic gold content and perfect preservation add long-term value for investors seeking rare and historically significant modern U.S. gold coins. Whether displayed proudly or carefully stored as an heirloom, the 2002-W Olympic gold proof coin occupies a special place among the most meaningful and prestigious U.S. Mint commemorative offerings.
The Certified Commemorative $5 Gold 2002-W Olympics PF70 NGC represents a perfect fusion of flawless artistry, historical importance, and precious metal value. Struck to celebrate an international event that emphasized unity, courage, and excellence, this coin remains a timeless tribute to the Olympic spirit and to America’s role in hosting one of the most memorable Games of the modern era. With its low mintage, striking design, and perfect proof preservation, the 2002-W Olympics $5 gold coin continues to captivate collectors and investors who seek the finest examples of modern American numismatics.