Q. David Bowers
(6) Three-coin Uncirculated sets included a 1986-D half dollar, 1986-P dollar, and 1986-W $5 and were offered at an advance discount price of $165, raised on January 1, 1986, to $193. By January 31, 1986, this option was sold out. The total number of sets distributed comprised 49,406. Sets were packaged in a blue box.
(7) Six-coin sets contained 1986-S Proof and 1986-D Uncirculated half dollars, 1986-S Proof and 1986-P Uncirculated dollars, and 1986-W Uncirculated and Proof $5 pieces. These were offered at an advance discount price of $375, raised on January 1, 1986, to $439.50. By January 31, 1986, the sets were sold out, by which time 38,983 orders had been received (Walter Breen points out that Coin World, July 29, 1987, page three, gives the alternative quantity of 39,101). Coins in plastic capsules were housed in a cherry wood box imprinted with the Great Seal. The box and a certificate of authenticity were contained in a blue cardboard box with the lid imprinted with the Great Seal.
(11) Single Proof 1986-W $5 pieces were first offered at $170, raised on January 1, 1986, to $175. Each coin in a plastic capsule was on a blue felt tray in a blue velvet presentation case with hinged lid on which was mounted a plaque of a heraldic eagle, contained in a blue cardboard box and slipcover each imprinted with the Great Seal and "United States liberty Coin."
(12) Single Uncirculated 1986-W $5 pieces were first offered at $160, but beginning on January 1, 1986, the price was raised to $165. Coins were packaged in a blue box.
Interest in the coins was intense, and the entire production was sold out by the end of December 1986. Collectors and others who were not able to get pieces suggested that the Mint produce additional coins, but as the entire congressional authorization had been fulfilled, no further pieces were struck. The total distribution eventually amounted to 95,248 1986-W $5 pieces with Uncirculated finish and 404,013 in Proof format.
Commemorating: Centennial of the dedication of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor
Obverse motif: Head of the Statue of Liberty
Reverse motif: Eagle
Authorization date: July 9, 1985
Date on coins: 1986
Dates when coins were actually minted: 1985-1986
Mint used: West Point
Maximum quantity authorized: 500,000
Total quantity minted: 500,000
Quantity melted: Information not released by the Mint (believed to be only a few or none)
Net number distributed: 95,248 Uncirculated; 404,013 Proof (The 739 unaccounted for pieces (in order to total the authorized mintage of 500,000) were probably held back to fill lost or damaged orders.)
Issued by: U.S. Mint (office address beginning April 1985: judiciary Square Building, 633 3rd Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20220)
Standard original packaging: Blue box (or cherry wood box as part of a six-coin set) Official sale prices: Uncirculated $160 in advance (later, $165; also sold as part of other options-see text); Proof $170 in advance (later, $175; also sold as part of other options see text)
Designer of obverse and reverse: Elizabeth Jones (some work on the model of the reverse was done by Philip Fowler)
Interesting fact: This highly acclaimed coin was the only commemorative of the decade to sell out its entire authorized quantity.
(average market prices)
1990 (spring) MS-65 $142.50
1990 (December) MS-65 $150
(average market prices)
1990 (spring) Proof-65 $142.50
1990 (December) Proof-65 $145