The United States Mint is considering an American Liberty fractional gold coin for 2018. The potential coin was briefly discussed today, June 21, at a Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Mint officials offered some background, describing the fractional piece as a more affordable option for collectors and the proposed size popular based on historical sales.
Preliminary plans are for a 1/10-ounce gold, $10-denominated version of this year’s 2017 $100-W American Liberty 1-ounce gold coin (see photos of the coin), which was released in celebration of the Mint’s 225th anniversary.
The smaller coin, as outlined, would share the bigger coin’s designs and major specs, like its West Point-struck proof finish, mint mark and .9999 fine purity, but it would not be in high relief. It would also lack the one-ounce coin’s dual date and anniversary edge inscriptions. The planchet used would be in the style of the $5 American Buffalo fractional gold coin from 2008.
CCAC member Erik Jansen encouraged the Mint to keep the coin’s price as low as possible, conveying that it will dramatically impact the volume of sales.
Expectations are for the coin to be a standalone product, although it could mark the beginning of a new 1/10-ounce numismatic series. Details such as the mintage and other potential limits are still under consideration.
