2016-W 1/4-oz Gold Standing Liberty Quarter

The Original Standing Liberty – Back In 99.99% Gold!

In 1916, the United States was on the verge of events that would change not only the future of the nation, but of the entire world. The First World War had engulfed the European continent in brutal mechanized conflict. Just a year earlier, a German U-boat sank the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania, killing more than 1,100 passengers and crew, including 120 Americans. While President Woodrow Wilson was committed to staying at a distance while brokering peace, the conflict of World War I was threatening to engage the U.S.

The time was ideal for a series of coin designs that evolved the staid creations of Charles Barber into more poetic and symbolic creations of a nation dedicated to peace, but was ready to defend itself if brought to task. In a competition to find a new design for U.S. coins, the work of sculptor Hermon Atkins MacNeil, known for his rich portrayals of Native Americans and American history, was chosen. His interpretation of Liberty stands in an opening between two waist-high walls. In her right hand, the olive branch of peace alongside an exposed breast that symbolized the nourishing bounty of a free people and plentiful land. In contrast, Liberty's left hand carries a full shield of defense, her gaze firmly set in distant direction, as if on constant watch. For a country on the threshold of global conflict, as well as the twin movements of suffrage and temperance, it's a powerful visual allegory.

The events of the following year would force the United States into conflict, and Liberty would subsequently be covered by a chest plate of armor. With only a few changes, this design would last over a decade until the Great Depression halted its mintage in 1931. Then, what was supposed to be a temporary commemorative design celebrating the 200th anniversary of George Washington's birth became today's lasting look of U.S. quarters, leaving MacNeil's elegant design to history.

Until today, that is! Now, as part of the U.S. Mint's Centennial Gold program, the original standing Liberty design from 1916 has been brought back to life. The second in a series of re-releases of three classic designs, the 2016 Centennial Gold Standing Liberty Quarter follows the U.S. Mint's highly anticipated Mercury Centennial Gold Dime and precedes the future release of the Walking Liberty Centennial Gold Half Dollar. MacNeil's classic design is recreated in one-quarter ounce of 99.99% pure gold, while the other side depicts a bald eagle soaring in mid-flight. Your Standing Liberty Quarter will come direct to you in the exact same condition as it departed from the mint in its original U.S. Mint packaging. However, the mintage of this series is ONLY 100,000 coins, with an original release limit of one per household. Collectors are already anticipating this unique opportunity, and we predict that supplies are going to be extremely limited. Don't miss out on this chance to own an American coin classic as it was originally envisioned -- get yours today!