1999 (W) Proof George Washington Death Bicentennial Commemorative Five Dollar Gold

Coin Details

Auction Record

$2,358 PR70 07-26-2003 Heritage Auctions

Description

The 1999 (W) Proof George Washington Death Bicentennial Commemorative Five Dollar Gold is a proof commemorative dollar struck at the West Point Mint. With a mintage of 41,693, this is a scarce commemorative issue. Authorized to mark the 200th anniversary of George Washington's death in 1799, this $5 gold piece uses Laura Gardin Fraser's 1931 Washington portrait design. The obverse features a right-facing portrait of George Washington based on the life-mask bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon, while the reverse displays a heraldic eagle with outspread wings. Designed by Laura Gardin Fraser. This design was originally submitted by Laura Gardin Fraser in 1931 for the Washington quarter but was rejected. It was finally used 68 years later for this commemorative. Struck in 90% gold, 10% copper, weighing 8.36 grams, 21.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #99777. The Washington $5 gold finally realized Fraser's 68-year-old rejected design, giving it a remarkable backstory. Fraser's Washington portrait was later adopted for the American Women Quarters series beginning in 2022.