This privately issued 2005 Gold Union brings to life George T. Morgan’s proposed 1876 $100 Union design, a denomination conceived by the U.S. Mint but never adopted for regular coinage. Struck in 1 troy ounce of pure gold, this modern proof features Morgan’s historic Liberty design and has been encapsulated by NGC as an Ultra Cameo Gem Proof.
Coin Highlights:
- Year Struck: 2005
- Design Date: 1876
- Designer: George T. Morgan
- Type: Private-Issue $100 Gold Union
- Composition: Pure Gold
- Gold Weight: 1 troy oz
- Finish: Proof
- Designation: Ultra Cameo Gem Proof
- Certification: Encapsulated by NGC
- Obverse: Features Morgan’s seated Liberty holding an olive branch, surrounded by stars with LIBERTY above and the original proposed date 1876 below.
- Reverse: Features a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings above a shield, surrounded by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS.
- Based on George T. Morgan’s historic proposal for a massive $100 U.S. gold denomination that was never adopted for circulation.
- This is a privately issued modern piece and is not an official U.S. Mint $100 coin.
The $100 Gold Union Design
During the 1870s, the U.S. Mint considered the possibility of introducing an enormous $100 gold denomination known as the Union. George T. Morgan, who would later become famous for designing the Morgan Silver Dollar, prepared designs associated with the proposed denomination.
Although the $100 Union was never authorized for regular production, Morgan’s surviving concepts provide an intriguing look at what could have become one of the largest denominations of classic U.S. gold coinage. This 2005 private issue recreates that historic concept in a substantial one-ounce gold proof format.
