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- Product ID: 55061
The Certified $5 Commemorative 2017-W Boys Town First Strike MS70 PCGS is a numismatic tribute to one of America’s most respected charitable organizations. Issued by the U.S. Mint as part of the 2017 Boys Town Commemorative Coin Program, this gold coin honors the 100th anniversary of Boys Town, an institution founded to provide care and support for at-risk children and families. Struck at the West Point Mint, this coin combines historical significance, intricate design, and investment-grade gold, making it a prized collectible for numismatists and investors alike.
Boys Town was founded in 1917 by Father Edward J. Flanagan in Omaha, Nebraska, with the mission of helping homeless and neglected boys. Over the decades, the organization expanded to include girls and families, becoming a national symbol of hope for disadvantaged youth. The U.S. Mint commemorated the centennial of Boys Town with a three-coin program featuring a $5 gold coin, a silver dollar, and a clad half dollar. The $5 gold coin is the most prestigious of the series, struck in 90% gold, 6% silver, and 4% copper, following the standard composition for modern U.S. commemorative gold coins.
The obverse of the 2017-W Boys Town $5 gold commemorative coin features a powerful depiction of Father Flanagan, the organization’s founder. Designed by artist Donna Weaver and sculpted by Don Everhart, the portrait captures Father Flanagan’s determined expression, symbolizing his unwavering dedication to helping children. The inscriptions include "BOYS TOWN," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "LIBERTY," "2017," and the "W" mintmark, signifying the West Point Mint as the production facility. This detailed portrait is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of countless children.
The reverse of the coin showcases an image of a young child sheltering under the protective hand of an older figure. Designed by artist Elise Stefanik and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, this image symbolizes the care and security that Boys Town provides to vulnerable youth. The design conveys warmth and compassion, reinforcing the organization’s mission of offering guidance and protection to those in need. The reverse also features the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "FIVE DOLLARS," along with a depiction of a tree, symbolizing growth and stability.
The 2017-W Boys Town $5 gold coin was struck at the West Point Mint, a facility known for producing some of the finest numismatic and investment-grade gold coins in the world. The "W" mintmark signifies West Point’s role in striking this commemorative piece, ensuring its quality and authenticity. The meticulous craftsmanship of the West Point Mint is evident in the precise detailing and smooth, lustrous surfaces of the coin.
The mintage for the 2017-W Boys Town $5 gold coin was limited, with a maximum authorized mintage of 50,000 coins across both proof and uncirculated versions. The relatively low production numbers enhance the coin’s collectibility, as fewer examples are available in the numismatic market. The combination of a low mintage and significant historical relevance makes this coin highly desirable among collectors of modern U.S. commemoratives.
The MS70 grade assigned by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) designates this coin as a perfect specimen. Coins graded MS70 exhibit no post-mint imperfections, even under magnification. This flawless condition ensures that the coin maintains its maximum numismatic and investment value. The First Strike designation further enhances its appeal, indicating that it was submitted to PCGS within the first 30 days of its release by the U.S. Mint.
First Strike coins hold a special place in the numismatic community because they are among the earliest examples struck, often benefiting from newly prepared dies that produce the sharpest and most detailed impressions. The First Strike designation signifies that this coin was minted and certified shortly after its initial release, adding to its desirability among collectors who seek the best examples available.
The visual appeal of this MS70 specimen is truly exceptional. The surfaces exhibit a brilliant, deep golden hue, and the details of Father Flanagan’s portrait and the protective figure on the reverse are sharply defined. The fields are free of blemishes, ensuring that the coin retains its pristine appearance. The craftsmanship and quality control of the West Point Mint shine through in this stunning example.
The 2017-W Boys Town $5 gold commemorative is not only a collectible numismatic piece but also a valuable investment in gold. With a gold content of 0.2419 troy ounces, it carries intrinsic value tied to the precious metals market. Investors appreciate modern gold commemoratives for their combination of numismatic appeal and tangible gold worth, making them an attractive option for those looking to diversify their holdings.
The Boys Town Commemorative Coin Program was not just a celebration of the organization’s centennial but also a fundraising effort to support its ongoing mission. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these coins was allocated to Boys Town to assist in its programs and services for at-risk youth and families. By purchasing this coin, collectors and investors contributed to a noble cause, reinforcing the tradition of commemorative coins serving as vehicles for historical remembrance and charitable support.
As time passes, the availability of MS70 First Strike examples of the 2017-W Boys Town $5 gold coin will become increasingly limited. Many of these coins are held in private collections, and their scarcity in top condition ensures strong demand in the numismatic market. High-grade gold commemoratives, particularly those with historical significance, have demonstrated long-term value appreciation.
The 2017-W Boys Town $5 gold coin represents a meaningful addition to any collection of modern U.S. commemoratives. It is part of a distinguished series that highlights American history and social impact, making it an excellent choice for collectors who appreciate coins with a deeper story. The coin's association with a charitable institution that has transformed the lives of countless individuals adds an element of human connection that few other commemoratives can match.
Collectors seeking to build a comprehensive set of modern gold commemorative coins will find the 2017-W Boys Town $5 gold piece an essential acquisition. Its flawless condition, low mintage, and connection to a significant organization make it a standout piece among U.S. Mint commemoratives. Whether for historical appreciation, numismatic interest, or investment purposes, this coin embodies the legacy of Boys Town and the enduring importance of charitable work.
The Certified $5 Commemorative 2017-W Boys Town First Strike MS70 PCGS stands as a tribute to a century of dedication to children and families in need. With its impeccable condition, limited mintage, and historical significance, it remains one of the most meaningful and valuable modern U.S. gold commemorative coins. Its combination of numismatic excellence and philanthropic impact ensures that it will be cherished by collectors and investors for generations to come.