2000-W $10 Library MS70 认证号19825278, PCGS号9784

Jaime Hernandez

In the year 2000, the U.S. Mint produced its first and only ringed bi-metallic coin, which happens to be the 2000 Library of Congress Commemorative $10 coin. It is composed of a .900 fine outer gold ring and a quarter-ounce center of .9995 fine platinum.Noteworthy, the coin also boasts one of the lowest mintages of any modern coin.

Not just did the Mint produce these coins out of bi-metallic metals but it also produced the coins out of two very expensive metals. Gold was one of the metals used to produce the coins while platinum was the second metal that was also used. The gold content is located in the outer ring of the coin while the platinum metal is located in the inner ring of the coin.

It is unknown why the U.S. Mint chose the Library of Congress Commemorative as its first bi-metallic coin when it could have used any other U.S. coin. However, since the coin was produced for the year 2000, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Mint used this coin to demonstrate its advanced minting techniques in the new millennium year.

Despite the coins unique characteristics, it is also one of the lowest mintage commemorative coins in existence. The total mintage of 7,261 coins is a relatively low mintage compared to all other commemorative coins. As of 2009, the Library of Congress Mint State coins are among the lowest mintage commemorative coins, which also include the silver half dollars, silver dollars, gold $5 coins and the $10 gold coins.

The $10 Library of Congress coin was also produced in a proof format. Both mint state and proof coins will bear a “W” mint mark since they were both produced at the West Point Mint. Mint state coins will have a satin like appearance while proof coins will have a strong reflective mirror like appearance, also known as deep cameo.

The Library of Congress Commemorative coins were first approved by Congress in October 1998. The coins were produced in order to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the world’s largest library.

In the year 2000, the U.S. Mint offered the mint state coins at a pre issue price of $380 each. The regular price was then increased to $405 each. Since the coins were first produced they have increased in value dramatically.

In 2007 the coins were fetching as much as $3,000 each and many times much more. As of 2009 the coins are realizing over $1500 and sometimes close to $2,000. Not bad for customers who bought them directly from the mint at $380 or $405 each in the year 2000. 

The Library of Congress bi-metallic coin is undoubtedly a beautiful coin. It is also an important coin since it represents the innovative capabilities of the U.S. Mint for the millennium year. As of 2009, it is also the first and only bi-metallic coin produced by the U.S. Mint. Factor in the extremely low mintage for a modern coin and you have yourself a tremendously exciting and desirable coin.