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The Certified Proof American Gold Eagle $5 2018-W PF70 NGC FUN Show Release with the Mike Castle signature is a highly distinguished example of modern U.S. numismatics, combining exceptional design, flawless condition, and unique presentation. Struck from 1/10 troy ounce of 22-karat gold (.9167 fine) at the renowned West Point Mint, this coin was released in conjunction with the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show, one of the premier coin conventions in the United States. The inclusion of former Congressman Mike Castle’s signature on the NGC certification label further enhances the coin’s collectibility and historical significance, as Castle was instrumental in passing key coin legislation, including the American Gold Eagle Act itself.
The American Gold Eagle program began in 1986 following the passage of the Gold Bullion Coin Act, which was introduced by Congressman Mike Castle. The series marked the United States Mint’s official entry into the global bullion market and quickly established itself as one of the most respected and widely collected gold coin programs worldwide. Each year, the U.S. Mint produces both bullion and proof versions of the Gold Eagle in four denominations—$5, $10, $25, and $50—corresponding to weights of 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 troy ounce, respectively. The $5 coin, at 1/10 oz, offers an accessible entry point into the series without compromising on design or quality.
The obverse of the 2018-W Proof $5 Gold Eagle features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' classic depiction of Liberty, first seen on the $20 gold double eagle introduced in 1907. In this striking rendition, Liberty strides confidently forward with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. Radiating rays of the sun provide a dramatic backdrop, and the U.S. Capitol dome appears at her feet. The word “LIBERTY” arcs across the top of the coin, while the date “2018” and the “W” mintmark for West Point are struck near the edge. This design remains one of the most celebrated in American coinage history, revered for its artistic beauty and powerful symbolism.
The reverse, created by sculptor Miley Busiek, depicts a majestic bald eagle flying toward its nest, where a female eagle watches over her hatchlings. This moving image represents family, tradition, and the strength of American ideals. The reverse carries inscriptions for the coin’s country of origin and denomination: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “1/10 OZ. FINE GOLD,” and “5 DOLLARS.” The intricately frosted design stands out against the coin’s mirror-polished background, a defining trait of proof coinage that maximizes visual contrast and elegance.
This coin was struck at the West Point Mint, a facility known for its precision and security, and designated with the “W” mintmark. Proof coins undergo a special minting process that involves multiple strikes from specially prepared dies onto polished planchets, resulting in frosted designs and highly reflective fields. The result is a coin of superb detail and clarity, with every feather, ray, and facial feature sharply defined. The 2018 proof mintage of the $5 denomination was limited to 45,596 coins, though only a fraction were designated as FUN Show Releases and graded a perfect PF70 by NGC.
The PF70 Ultra Cameo (UCAM) grade is the highest possible on the Sheldon coin grading scale and guarantees that the coin is in perfect condition with no visible imperfections even under 5x magnification. The “Ultra Cameo” designation highlights the extreme contrast between the frosted design elements and the deeply mirrored fields. NGC’s encapsulation process ensures the coin’s preservation in this pristine state, offering both protection and documentation for collectors and investors alike.
The "FUN Show Release" designation means that this coin was distributed at the 2018 Florida United Numismatists show, one of the largest and most respected numismatic events in the United States. Coins tied to major conventions often receive special attention, as they are associated with exclusive releases, first strikes, and promotional significance. For collectors who value provenance, a FUN Show Release adds an appealing layer of collectibility and historical context to the coin.
Further elevating the coin’s prestige is the Mike Castle signature on the NGC label. Castle, often referred to as the “Coinage Congressman,” played a central role in shaping modern U.S. coinage legislation, including the creation of the American Gold and Silver Eagle programs, the 50 State Quarters Program, and the Presidential Dollar Series. His signature is reserved for select certified coins and is highly valued by collectors as a tangible link to the legislative origins of the coin itself.
Given the coin’s perfect PF70 grade, limited mintage, special FUN Show provenance, and association with Mike Castle, its value goes far beyond its gold content. It is a premium collectible that appeals to both modern coin investors and serious numismatists who build top-graded registry sets. The combination of artistry, purity, flawless condition, and significant labeling distinctions makes this coin a highly desirable piece within the American Gold Eagle series.
In conclusion, the Certified Proof American Gold Eagle $5 2018-W PF70 NGC FUN Show Release with Mike Castle’s signature is a standout numismatic issue, offering beauty, rarity, and historical depth. Its ties to the foundational figure of modern U.S. coin legislation, its flawless condition, and its limited release at one of America’s most prestigious coin shows ensure that it will remain a coveted treasure in any advanced collection. As a piece that symbolizes both the past and future of American coinage, it holds enduring significance in the world of gold proofs.