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The Gold $5 Commemorative 1997 Robinson Uncirculated coin is a distinguished example of modern U.S. commemorative coinage, issued by the United States Mint to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson, one of the most iconic and transformative figures in American sports and civil rights history. This coin marks the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s historic breaking of Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947 when he took the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The commemorative was authorized by Congress through Public Law 104-329 and stands as a powerful tribute not only to Robinson’s athletic achievements but also to his enduring impact on American society. The 1997 Robinson $5 Gold coin was released in both Proof and Uncirculated formats, with the uncirculated version offering collectors a more raw, mint-fresh presentation.
The Jackie Robinson commemorative program included both a $5 gold half eagle and a silver dollar, each with unique designs celebrating different aspects of Robinson’s life and career. The gold coin, struck in 90% gold and 10% alloy, contains 0.2419 troy ounces of fine gold and was struck at the West Point Mint, as indicated by the “W” mintmark. The uncirculated (BU) version of the coin, such as this example, features a matte-like finish and retains its original mint luster, providing a clean and bold visual impression that emphasizes the striking power and high detail of the design. Collectors often favor uncirculated commemoratives for their sharpness and straightforward aesthetic.
The obverse of the 1997 Robinson Gold $5 was designed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver William C. Cousins. It presents a dramatic and finely detailed portrait of Jackie Robinson in his later years, emphasizing his statesmanlike demeanor and legacy as a leader beyond the baseball diamond. This dignified image reflects Robinson’s post-baseball contributions as a civil rights advocate and businessman. The inscriptions surrounding the portrait include “JACKIE ROBINSON,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the dual dates “1919–1972,” marking the span of his life. The date of issue, “1997,” appears prominently below the portrait. The overall presentation is clean and reverent, befitting the gravity of Robinson’s legacy.
The reverse was designed by artist Alfred Maletsky and showcases an image of Robinson sliding safely into home plate, an evocative representation of his athletic prowess and fearless style of play. The bold image captures a defining moment that transcends the sport, symbolizing determination and triumph over adversity. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “FIVE DOLLARS,” emphasizing both the coin’s legal tender status and its national significance. The “W” mintmark is tucked near the edge, verifying that this piece was minted at the prestigious West Point facility. The sharp relief of the uncirculated strike brings Robinson’s form and motion to life in fine detail.
The mintage of the 1997 Robinson Gold $5 Uncirculated coin was extremely limited. Only 5,174 uncirculated coins were struck and sold by the U.S. Mint, making it one of the lowest-mintage modern U.S. commemorative gold coins ever produced. In contrast, the Proof version had a mintage of 24,072. This significant disparity has made the uncirculated version far scarcer in the marketplace and highly sought after by collectors aiming to complete a modern gold commemorative set. The combination of low mintage and historical subject matter gives this coin strong long-term appeal both numismatically and culturally.
Condition-wise, uncirculated examples like this one are typically well-preserved, exhibiting no signs of wear and maintaining their original mint state surfaces. Although minor contact marks may appear from the minting and handling process, an uncirculated Jackie Robinson gold commemorative will still possess full strike detail and vibrant, natural luster. The gold alloy gives the coin a warm, rich appearance, often displaying a slightly reddish hue common to 90% gold U.S. coins. The reeded edge and consistent strike quality further underscore the coin’s high production standards from the West Point Mint.
The coin’s intrinsic gold content also contributes to its appeal, with each piece containing nearly a quarter ounce of pure gold. While its numismatic premium typically exceeds its melt value, the bullion content provides a solid base for investment. More importantly, this coin stands out not merely for its metal value but for its powerful historical resonance and exceptional rarity among U.S. commemoratives. For collectors focused on modern gold issues, civil rights memorabilia, or sports-themed coins, the 1997 Robinson Uncirculated gold half eagle checks all the boxes for significance, scarcity, and beauty.
The uncirculated Jackie Robinson gold coin also holds appeal beyond traditional numismatics. It is part of a broader national conversation about equity, perseverance, and courage in the face of systemic discrimination. Robinson’s entry into Major League Baseball on April 15, 1947, was a landmark moment that helped initiate the eventual integration of professional sports in America. His legacy continues to be celebrated annually through Jackie Robinson Day and remains deeply ingrained in the American consciousness. The coin captures both the spirit of the man and the broader cultural shift he helped initiate.
Collectors who acquire the 1997 Robinson Gold $5 Uncirculated coin often do so to build complete modern gold commemorative sets or as a stand-alone tribute to Robinson’s legacy. Due to its low mintage, it is frequently one of the most difficult modern issues to locate in high-grade, uncirculated condition. Coins graded by PCGS or NGC with Mint State designations—especially those earning grades of MS69 or better—are particularly prized and can command notable premiums in the marketplace. Even uncertified examples are regarded as valuable additions to any U.S. gold collection, especially when accompanied by the original mint packaging and certificate of authenticity.
While modern commemorative coins span a wide range of themes and designs, few possess the emotional resonance and cultural weight of the Jackie Robinson issue. Its elegant design, compelling subject matter, and extremely low mintage make the 1997 Gold $5 Uncirculated coin a standout piece within the U.S. Mint’s commemorative portfolio. It connects the collector not just to a beautiful artifact of American minting, but to a man whose achievements changed the course of American sports and civil rights history.
The Gold $5 Commemorative 1997 Robinson Uncirculated coin remains a meaningful and powerful tribute to an American hero. With its sharp uncirculated strike, low production numbers, and artistic depiction of Jackie Robinson’s legacy, it holds a unique place in the pantheon of modern U.S. coinage. Whether acquired as an investment, a historical keepsake, or a symbol of progress, this coin continues to resonate with collectors and admirers of Robinson’s enduring impact on the nation. Its blend of beauty, gold content, and historic depth makes it an unforgettable piece in any numismatic collection.