The Statue of Liberty stands as one of the world’s most recognizable symbols of freedom, hope, and democracy. A gift from France to the United States in 1886, this colossal neoclassical sculpture has welcomed generations of immigrants and visitors to America’s shores. To honor its centennial and to fund a much-needed restoration, the United States Mint in 1986 released a stunning series of commemorative coins. Today, these pieces are not only cherished for their historical significance but are also actively sought by collectors and investors. Understanding the statue of liberty commemorative coin value is key for anyone looking to buy, sell, or simply appreciate these miniature monuments.
The value of these coins is not a single, fixed number. It fluctuates based on a variety of factors, from the precious metal within the coin to its certified condition. Values can range from as little as $8 for a common clad half-dollar to well over $1,000 for a pristine, high-grade gold coin. This comprehensive guide will illuminate the key elements that determine the value of your 1986 Statue of Liberty coins, helping you navigate the market with confidence.
A Centennial Celebration: The Story Behind the 1986 Coins
Before diving into value, it’s important to understand why these coins were created. By the early 1980s, the Statue of Liberty was showing her age. A century of exposure to wind, rain, and salty air had taken its toll, causing significant corrosion and structural decay. A massive public-private partnership, led by the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation, was formed to raise funds for a complete restoration of both the Statue and the historic immigration facilities at Ellis Island.
To support this monumental effort, the U.S. Congress passed the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coin Act in 1985. This act authorized the U.S. Mint to produce three distinct coins: a $5 gold piece, a silver dollar, and a clad half-dollar. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each coin—known as a surcharge—was directed to the foundation to fund the restoration work. This direct link to a historic preservation project imbues these coins with a unique story and a sense of patriotic purpose, which adds to their collectible appeal.
Key Factors That Determine Statue of Liberty Commemorative Coin Value
Several critical factors interact to determine the market price of a 1986 Statue of Liberty coin. A seasoned collector understands that you must consider the coin’s type, its physical condition, its rarity, and its packaging to arrive at an accurate valuation.
Type of Coin: Gold, Silver, and Clad
The 1986 program included three different denominations, each with its own unique characteristics, metal content, and base value.
#### The $5 Gold Coin (1986-W)
Holding the top spot in the hierarchy of value, the $5 gold coin is the most prestigious of the set.
- Composition: 90% gold (0.24187 troy oz actual gold weight), 10% alloy.
- Mint Mark: “W” for the West Point Mint.
- Design: The obverse, designed by Chief Engraver Elizabeth Jones, features a striking close-up of Lady Liberty’s face. The reverse, also by Jones, showcases a majestic eagle in flight.
- Value: The statue of liberty commemorative coin value for this piece is heavily influenced by the spot price of gold. Its intrinsic metal value provides a solid price floor. However, collector demand often pushes its price well above its melt value.
* Raw/Ungraded: An uncertified coin will typically trade for a small premium over its gold melt value.
* Certified High-Grade: This is where the value can soar. A 1986-W $5 Gold coin graded PCGS MS69 (Mint State 69) was recently listed for $980. A choice Proof version can command as much as $1,090. The Proof version is more common than the uncirculated one, making the uncirculated coin rarer and potentially more valuable in the same high grade.
#### The Silver Dollar (1986-P & 1986-S)
The silver dollar is arguably the most popular coin in the series, offering a beautiful design and the appeal of precious metal at a more accessible price point.
- Composition: 90% silver (0.7734 troy oz actual silver weight), 10% copper.
- Mint Marks: “P” for the Philadelphia Mint (Uncirculated version) and “S” for the San Francisco Mint (Proof version).
- Design: The obverse, by John Mercanti, presents a classic view of the Statue of Liberty with the Ellis Island immigration center in the background. The reverse, also by Mercanti and Matthew Peloso, depicts the Statue’s torch with the inscription “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
- Value:
* Raw/Ungraded: Depending on the current price of silver and the coin’s condition, an uncertified 1986 silver dollar can range from $29.99 to over $40.
* Certified High-Grade: A certified Gem Proof (PF69) from the San Francisco mint can be found for around $35.99 to $50. However, a top-grade certified coin with a special designation can fetch a significant premium. For example, an NGC-graded PF69 ULTRA CAMEO 1986-S Proof Dollar was listed for an impressive $498.50, showcasing the immense impact of grading.
#### The Clad Half-Dollar (1986-D & 1986-S)
The most affordable coin of the series, the clad half-dollar allowed people from all economic backgrounds to contribute to the restoration effort and own a piece of history.
- Composition: Copper-nickel clad (no precious metal content).
- Mint Marks: “D” for the Denver Mint (Uncirculated version) and “S” for the San Francisco Mint (Proof version).
- Design: The obverse, by Edgar Steever, shows a side profile of the Statue of Liberty against a backdrop of a rising sun, symbolizing a new day for immigrants. The reverse, by Sherl Winter, depicts an immigrant family on the docks of Ellis Island, gazing toward the promise of the new world.
- Value: Due to its lack of precious metal and high mintage, this coin has the lowest value.
* Raw/Ungraded: These are widely available. A 1986-S Proof Half Dollar can be purchased for as little as $8.
* Certified High-Grade: While certification costs often exceed the coin’s value, high-grade examples are still collected. A 1986-S Liberty Half Dollar Clad Proof in top condition was priced at $40 on one platform, indicating a market exists for premium-quality examples.
Condition and Grade: The Key to Premium Value
The physical condition of a coin is one of the most significant drivers of its value. The numismatic world uses a 70-point scale, known as the Sheldon Scale, to standardize coin grading.
- Uncirculated (Mint State or MS): A coin that has never been used in commerce. It is graded from MS-60 (showing noticeable marks) to the perfect MS-70 (flawless under 5x magnification).
- Proof (PF or PR): A coin specially struck for collectors using polished dies and planchets. This process creates a mirror-like background and a frosted, detailed design. Proofs are also graded from PF-60 to PF-70.
- ULTRA CAMEO (UCAM) / DEEP CAMEO (DCAM): These are designations for Proof coins that exhibit an exceptionally strong and attractive contrast between the mirrored fields and frosted devices. Coins with these designations are highly prized and command significant premiums.
The best way to guarantee a coin’s grade is through third-party certification from services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). These companies authenticate and grade the coin, then seal it in a protective plastic holder—or “slab”—with a label detailing its grade and serial number. A certified coin provides buyers with confidence and almost always sells for more than an uncertified “raw” coin.
Rarity and Mintage: The Economics of Scarcity
The law of supply and demand applies directly to coin collecting. The fewer coins that were originally minted, the rarer they are today, and generally, the more valuable they become. The mintage figures for the 1986 Statue of Liberty coins are crucial to understanding their relative rarity.
- $5 Gold (1986-W):
* Uncirculated: 95,248
* Proof: 404,013
- $1 Silver Dollar:
* Uncirculated (1986-P): 723,635
* Proof
Is the Statue of Liberty coin worth anything?
Great question! Despite their perhaps seemingly elusive nature, the vast majority of these coins are extremely common and still only worth their face value of one dollar.
Are commemorative coins ever worth anything?
Technically, yes. Commemorative coins are approved by the U.S. Mint and issued at face value, so they can be used as legal tender. However, their collector value is usually much higher than face value, so most collectors don’t actually spend them.
How to find the value of commemorative coins?
Mintage. Rarity has a profound impact on the value of a coin and commemorative coins are issued in small numbers. …
Condition. The condition of a coin is another of the primary factors that impact its value. …
Age. …
Historical Significance. …
Market Demand.