The West Point Mint , located in West Point, New York, is a US Mint facility known for producing bullion, commemorative coins, and certain circulating issues with a distinct “W” mint mark.
Here’s a closer look:
- Bullion depository first: Established in 1937, it initially served primarily as a storage facility for precious metals, earning it the nickname “The Fort Knox of Silver.”
- Gained Mint status: It became an official branch of the United States Mint on March 31, 1988.
- Significant Gold Reserve: The mint holds a substantial portion of the United States’ gold reserves.
- 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games $10 gold coin: This coin marked the first appearance of the “W” mint mark and was the first legal tender US gold coin minted since 1933.
- American Eagle series: The West Point Mint produces a variety of American Eagle bullion and proof coins in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, many of which bear the “W” mint mark.
- Commemorative coins: West Point has minted a number of commemorative coins authorized by Congress, such as the 1996 50th-anniversary Roosevelt dime and the 2002 U.S. Military Academy bicentennial silver dollar.
- Circulating quarters (2019-2020): In an effort to promote coin collecting, the Mint released a limited number of “America the Beautiful” quarters into circulation with a “W” mint mark in 2019 and 2020. These are considered rare by collectors.
– 2020 quarters also include a “V75” privy mark to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II.
- Indicates West Point origin: Coins with a “W” mint mark were produced at the West Point Mint.
- Scarcity and value: Coins with a “W” mint mark are generally rarer and can be more valuable to collectors, particularly those in higher grades or from limited edition issues.
Important Note: The West Point Mint is not open to the public due to security measures related to the large quantities of gold bullion stored there.
Are West Point coins valuable?
From my experience, In the world of precious metals and numismatics, few facilities hold the same prestige as the West Point Mint. Nestled in New York’s Hudson Valley, this secure U.S. Mint branch is best known for producing some of the most valuable coins in the country.
What is a West Point coin?
West Point Products
Today the West Point Mint manufactures proof and uncirculated American Eagle Bullion coins in silver, gold, and platinum as well as gold and silver commemorative coins of various designs. Beginning in 2006, the West Point Mint began making American Buffalo 24-carat gold bullion coins.
Does West Point still make coins?
March 31, 1988 was the date when the American Mint at West Point gained official status as a U.S. Mint. Today it is still a storage facility, but also manufactures, packages and ships Gold and Silver commemorative coins, and American Eagle Bullion coins in proof and uncirculated condition.
What’s a West Point quarter worth?
Thanks for asking. This West Point quarter sold on eBay for $34. Take a look at this 2019 W quarter. This is the American Memorial National Park.