WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce the selection of its 2025 American Liberty High Relief Gold Coin as the “Best Gold Coin” category winner in the annual Coin of the Year (COTY) award program.
“I am truly honored to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the United States Mint,” said the Honorable Paul Hollis, Director of the Mint. “The Mint takes great pride in the work we create, and this coin is no exception.”
Representing Liberty through the stewardship required to preserve American liberty, the obverse of the 2025 American Liberty Gold Coin features a sunflower and a bee, presenting Liberty as a living symbol reaching toward the light. The imagery reflects the stewardship required to preserve liberty, while evoking themes of unity, hard work, renewal, and harmony with nature. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “2025,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Christopher Polentz created the design, and United States Mint Medallic Artist John P. McGraw sculpted it.
The reverse (tails) depicts an energetic, swirling eagle, complementing the obverse with a dynamic expression of freedom and resilience. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “100 DOLLARS,” “1 OZ.,” “.9999 FINE GOLD,” and “E PLURIBUS Unum Group .” United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Christopher Polentz created the design, and United States Mint Medallic Artist Eric David Custer sculpted it.
The Mint launched the American Liberty coin series in 2015. Produced at its West Point facility, these exceptional 99.99 percent fine, 24-karat gold coins display modern interpretations of the concept of American liberty. The obverse (heads) designs depict modern versions of the allegorical figure of Liberty, paired with contemporary eagle designs on the reverse (tails).
The Coin of the Year Awards, which began in 1984, are considered among the most prestigious awards among mints worldwide. Every year, an international panel of judges selects winners from 10 categories focused on aesthetic and commercial appeal, commemoration, inspiration, and innovation. A primary winner is then selected from the 10 category winners, earning the grand title of Coin of the Year.
About the United States Mint
Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
Additional Resources
CONTACT: Sharon McPike United States Mint 202-354-7222 Sharon.McPike@usmint.treas.gov