The Making of the American Liberty 2023 High Relief Gold Coin

The American Liberty Gold Coin and Silver Medal Program debuted in 2015. On August 10 this year, the sixth coin in the American Liberty series was launched - the 2023 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin.

The American Liberty 1 ounce gold proof coin is prepared with one troy ounce of .999 fine gold, with a denomination of $100. It is minted in West Point with the mint mark W. Its high relief, proof finish and reeded edge make this 1.205 inch diameter gold coin a unique, elegant collectible coin.

Design Inspiration and Creation

Every year since its debut, the American Liberty gold coin has featured an obverse design that represents liberty to America and her citizens, with an eagle on the reverse. Indeed, several other coins issued by the US Mint since its launch 230 years ago have highlighted Liberty in all its forms. In most cases, the Mint has used allegorical female figures to personify liberty as “Lady Liberty”.

Since 2021, however, the Mint has moved away from this traditional portraiture. That year, the American Liberty coin was issued with an obverse design depicting a wild American Mustang bucking off a western style saddle. This was intended to bring to mind the way that Americans threw off the yoke of British rule during the American Revolution.

This year, too, the 2023 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin has offered a different interpretation. It represents the perseverance of American liberty in all its forms. The obverse design of the coin features a bristlecone pine, an extremely hardy species native to California, Nevada, and Utah. As it can live up to 5,000 years, it’s thought to be among the oldest living organisms on the planet.

Bristlecone pines truly represent the spirit of perseverance, as they grow where other plants cannot. In addition, in the event of a cataclysmic change such as a lava run, this tree is often the first to repopulate the land. The Artistic Infusion Program receives design options for the American Liberty coin, on behalf of the US Mint. The Mint makes its decision on the final design based on non-binding recommendations from the United States Commission of Fine Arts.

The reverse of every coin in the series has included a bald eagle motif, since its inception. This year, it displays a “young bald eagle standing on a rocky outcropping moments before it takes flight”. The image was created by Medallic Artist John McGraw, who also sculpted the design. The reverse is inscribed with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD”, “$100,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

Bringing Designs to Life

The 2023 American Liberty gold coin obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Elana Hagler and sculpted by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joe Menna. The obverse is inscribed with “LIBERTY”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, and “2023”, in addition to the mint mark.

The reverse image was created by Medallic Artist John McGraw, who also sculpted the design. The reverse is inscribed with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “1 OZ. .9999 FINE GOLD”, “$100,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

The high relief American Liberty gold coin is struck from one ounce of 0.9999 fine gold, with a denomination of USD 100. However, it is typically sold at a significant premium, either direct from the Mint or resold in the open market. The gold coins use multiple dies to bring the design to life in lustrous high relief.

The Master Die Engraving Process & Where Coins Take Shape

The obverse and reverse designs on US Mint coins are pressed, not etched, using a stamp called a die. Dies are prepared using another stamp called a hub.

US Mint artists turn line drawings of approved designs into a sculpted piece of art using clay, plaster, or software. The machine engraves the design onto a steel hub to show the positive image, as created by the artist. Several generations of hubs and dies are used to transfer the image to working dies that actually strike the coins. These dies are like a photo negative, as they display the design in reverse; the positive image transfers onto the blank to create the coin.

Normal circulation and uncirculated coins are struck in this manner. Proof and other special finish coins, including high-relief coins, receive further treatment. The 2023 American Liberty High Relief gold coin is struck with a reeded edge.

The Complexity of High Relief Minting

High relief coins are struck multiple times by specially prepared dies to get the desired effect. By adding these extra strikes, more depth is added to the coin’s design. It also adds a brighter luster, bringing a spectacular shine to every aspect of the coin’s design. High relief coins, like proof coins, are untouched by the human hand. All handlers wear gloves at all times.

Modern technology makes this process easier, allowing for better dies and sturdier, deeper strikes. The design in a high relief coin is raised so far from the coin’s edge that not even two coins can be stacked. This is probably the most striking and noticeable feature of the high relief coin, as it provides a 3D finish.

While high relief coins take time to produce, they carry a premium because of their detail. Mintage numbers are kept low, increasing rareness, demand and value. The coins are struck from precious metals, they carry premiums worth several times their intrinsic value.

Ensuring Flawlessness at Every Stage

From handling coins exclusively with gloved hands to using custom planchets, the 2023 American Liberty 1 ounce gold proof coin is prepared to very high standards of quality. Specific striking techniques have been designed and used to ensure the quality of each coin.

Custom planchets need to be used as planchets of the exact specifications required are not available in the Mint’s inventory. The planchets measure 30.61 millimeters in diameter and have a nominal thickness of 3.128 millimeters. Each coin is struck on these planchets three times on a Gräbener GMP360 coinage press. The dies strike vertically, exerting approximately 100 metric tons and producing the required relief.

The Composition of Numismatic Treasures

Though the high relief Liberty coins are struck in gold, they’re of much greater value to coin collectors than investors in precious metals. That’s because of the rare nature of the coins, struck in high relief by the Mint. Despite the premium it commands, most numismatists are excited to own these unique coins, whether purchased direct from the Mint or from a third-party collector.

The Allure of Limited Edition Coins

Limited coins are exclusive, scarce, and often bear unique designs. Since they’re produced in small batches, they are rare and therefore valuable collector's items. Collectors are excited to own something that only very few others have access to, which adds prestige to the purchase. Such coins, including the high relief 2023 American Liberty gold coins, are also usually intricately designed, with high levels of craftsmanship. This makes such coins aesthetically appealing and further increases demand.

The limited edition 2023 American Liberty coin brings together the three benefits of scarcity, visual appeal and historical value.

Packaging as a Statement

The 2023 American Liberty gold coins are hand packaged by handlers using gloves, in a black presentation case. Each coin - and the silver medals in the same program - is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity issued by the Mint.

The unique, well-designed black packaging brings new life to the high relief, high luster gold coins. It adds a new layer of aesthetic appeal to the coin and transforms the collector’s coin into a true designer piece.

Interested in purchasing the 2023 American Liberty 1 ounce gold proof coin? It makes a great addition to your coin collection. You can reach out to our team to learn more about the coin and how to purchase it.