1991 (W) Proof Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Commemorative Five Dollar Gold

Coin Details

Auction Record

$1,006 PR70 09-01-2003 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1991 (W) Proof Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Commemorative Five Dollar Gold is a proof commemorative dollar struck at the West Point Mint. The U.S. Mint produced 111,991 examples. The gold coin in the 1991 Mount Rushmore program, this $5 piece uniquely references the sculpting process with its eagle-carrying-tools obverse. The obverse features a bald eagle in flight carrying sculpting tools — a mallet and chisel — with a small depiction of Mount Rushmore in the background, while the reverse displays a calligraphic inscription reading 'Mount Rushmore National Memorial' in four lines, the first U.S. coin reverse composed entirely of lettering. Designed by John M. Mercanti/Robert Lamb. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9647. The Mount Rushmore $5 gold is notable for two firsts: the inventive eagle-with-tools concept and the all-text reverse — a departure from the figurative designs typical of U.S. coinage.