Continuing our blog series breaking down the evolution of denominations throughout United States coinage, we will carry on with our breakdown of gold bullion coins. While these next few may not be considered as “popular” as bullion coins such as American Gold Eagles or Gold Buffalos, they have contributed significantly to the hobby’s evolution over the years and the Mint’s continued efforts to progress their technology, modern designs, and available offerings.
First Spouse Gold Coins (2007-2020)
When the U.S. Mint began production of the Presidential $1 Coin Series, they wanted to also honor the nation’s first spouses. The coins were released in conjunction with one another as they were placed on the same schedule. They released four annual Presidential dollar coins beginning in 2007-2016, and then again in 2020.
As the first .9999 fine 1/2oz commemorative gold coins the Mint produced, they carried a face value of $10 and were struck in Uncirculated and Proof conditions. Starting with Martha Washington in 2007, each gold coin featured their likeness on the obverse. There were a few exceptions though for those Presidents who did not have spouses. This occurred in 2007 for President Thomas Jefferson, 2008 for President Andrew Jackson, 2008 for President Martin Van Buren, and 2010 for President James Buchanan.
American Liberty High Relief Gold Coins (2015, 2017-2021, 2023)
In 2015, the United States Mint struck its first $100 gold coin with the 2015 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin from West Point. Weighing 1oz of .9999 fine gold, it was not authorized under Congress like most programs but instead under authority of the Secretary to the Treasury by federal law---31 U.S.C. Section 5112 (i)(4)(C). The coin began the Mint’s journey to creating a modern Liberty that more reflected the diversity of the United States.
The series, which has produced coins so far in 2017-2021 and 2023, has used the same high relief technique that was used for the (2009) MMIX Ultra High Relief Gold Coin. The design used for the 2015 W $100 Liberty Gold was used again in 2016 for a silver medal. The coin in 2017 simultaneously celebrated the 225th anniversary of Mint (1792-2017). The series is scheduled to continue biennially as a new design will be issued every two years and include a silver medal that features the same design. This means that 2025 is next up for the American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin Series as it is scheduled to be released on August 21st.
Source: NGC Coin; The Official 2026 Red Book
