Photo: usmint.gov
The coin is shaped like the famous Liberty Bell—one of the United States’ most important national symbols. The issue is available in two versions: the first contains 0.5 troy ounces of 999.9-fine gold and has a face value of $125; the second contains one troy ounce of gold of the same fineness with a face value of $250.
However, the face value is significantly lower than the selling price. The U.S. Mint has set the selling price at $10,050 for the half-troy-ounce version and $19,600 for the one-troy-ounce version. The difference is due to the cost of the precious metal, the limited mintage, and the collectible nature of the issue.
The mintage of each version is limited to 2,026 pieces. The U.S. Mint notes that this release is not a mass-produced series: the coins were produced by specialists at the Philadelphia Mint’s laboratory using specialized manufacturing and quality control methods.
The limited mintage, unusual shape, and historical theme may increase interest in the coin among commemorative coin collectors.
The obverse features the Liberty Bell with its famous crack, the inscription “LIBERTY,” the dates 1776–2026, and the motto “In God We Trust.” The reverse features Independence Hall against a backdrop of festive fireworks, along with official inscriptions, the face value, weight, and the fineness of the precious metal.
The last time the U.S. Mint issued a gold coin with a non-standard shape was in 1915. At that time, octagonal gold coins with a face value of $50 were struck for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Since then, U.S. coins that are legal tender have been issued primarily in a round shape.
This latest issue combines several factors that traditionally attract collectors: an anniversary date, an unusual design, a limited mintage, and the use of high-purity gold. Although the “Liberty Bell” is unlikely to immediately rank among the world’s most expensive and rare coins, its release has become one of the U.S. Mint’s most unusual projects in recent decades and may prove to be a significant event in the modern collectible numismatics market.
