2000-W $10 Library of Congress Bimetallic Coin – BU (Box/COA)

The 2000-W $10 Library of Congress Bimetallic Coin stands as a remarkable testament to both American numismatic innovation and the celebration of knowledge preservation. As the new millennium dawned, the United States Mint unveiled this extraordinary commemorative piece to honor the bicentennial of one of our nation's most treasured institutions – the Library of Congress, which had faithfully served as America's repository of wisdom for 200 years.

This commemorative masterpiece holds a special place in American coinage history as the first bimetallic coin ever issued by the U.S. Mint. Created following the October 19, 1998 enactment of Public Law 105-268, the coin represented a bold departure from traditional minting practices. Its revolutionary construction features an outer ring of .900 fine gold embracing a center of .9995 fine platinum, creating a stunning visual contrast that symbolizes the precious nature of knowledge itself.

The Library of Congress Bicentennial coin program proved to be one of the U.S. Mint's most successful commemorative initiatives of its time. By late July 2000, collectors and history enthusiasts had already purchased over 30,729 of these bimetallic treasures, demonstrating the coin's immediate appeal. While numismatists formed the core collector base, many purchases came from library supporters who recognized the coin's significance in honoring America's temple of knowledge.

What makes this coin particularly fascinating is how it embodies the Library's two-century mission of enlightenment. Founded in 1800 under President John Adams, the Library of Congress has evolved from a modest collection of books into the world's largest library, housing millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts. The commemorative coin captures this legacy of learning in its intricate design elements.

The limited mintage of only 27,445 proof versions ensures this coin's enduring collectibility. As both the first commemorative coin of 2000 and the first ever dedicated to a library, it occupies a unique position in American numismatic history. Its dual-metal composition represents an innovative milestone in U.S. coinage technology, making it not just a beautiful collectible but a tangible piece of minting history.

Design Features

The obverse (heads side) of this magnificent coin features a powerful symbolic image – the hand of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, raising the "torch of learning" above the dome of the Library's iconic Jefferson Building. This design by John M. Mercanti masterfully captures the Library's mission to illuminate minds and preserve knowledge across generations. The torch's flame, positioned in the platinum center, creates a striking visual focal point against the gold outer ring, symbolizing how knowledge illuminates the darkness of ignorance.

The reverse (tails side), designed by Thomas D. Rogers, showcases the official seal of the Library of Congress encircled by a laurel wreath. The laurel, traditionally associated with achievement and honor in classical antiquity, appropriately frames the Library's emblem as a symbol of its esteemed position in American cultural life. The 27mm diameter coin features a reeded edge and weighs 16.259 grams, with its bimetallic composition creating a distinctive appearance that stands out in any collection. The intricate detail work on both sides demonstrates the exceptional craftsmanship for which the U.S. Mint is renowned.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Bimetallic (48% platinum, 48% gold, 4% alloy)
• Obverse: Features the hand of Minerva raising the torch of learning over the dome of the Jefferson Building.
• Reverse: Displays the Logo of the Library of Congress encircled by a laurel wreath.
• Mint Mark: W (West Point)
• IRA Eligible: No

Investment Appeal

Beyond its aesthetic beauty and historical significance, the 2000-W $10 Library of Congress Bimetallic Coin offers compelling investment potential. Its status as the first-ever bimetallic coin produced by the U.S. Mint grants it permanent historical importance in American numismatics. The limited mintage of fewer than 28,000 pieces ensures scarcity, a critical factor in long-term numismatic appreciation.

The dual precious metal content provides intrinsic value beyond its face amount, containing approximately 0.25 troy ounces of platinum and 0.25 troy ounces of gold. This combination of precious metals offers a hedge against inflation while diversifying one's precious metal holdings in a single acquisition. As both metals have industrial applications beyond their investment appeal, they provide fundamental support for the coin's long-term value.

For the discerning collector, this coin represents the perfect marriage of historical significance, artistic merit, and precious metal content. Whether you're expanding an existing commemorative collection, starting a new focus on bimetallic issues, or simply appreciate the cultural importance of the Library of Congress, this groundbreaking coin deserves a place of prominence in your numismatic portfolio. As time passes and these limited pieces become increasingly difficult to acquire in pristine condition, their position as a significant milestone in American coinage history only becomes more secure.