2010-P 5 oz ATB Mt Hood Silver Coin NGC SP70

Mount Hood, Oregon's iconic peak, stands as a sentinel over the Pacific Northwest, its snow-capped summit a beacon of natural beauty and human history. This majestic stratovolcano, rising to 11,249 feet, has been a sacred site for indigenous peoples for millennia and a landmark for explorers and settlers since the late 18th century. The 2010-P 5 oz ATB Mt Hood Silver Coin NGC SP70 captures the essence of this geological wonder, immortalizing its grandeur in precious metal.

The mountain's history is as rich as the silver that forms this coin. Native American tribes, including the Multnomah and Klickitat, wove Mount Hood into their mythology, seeing it as a bridge between earth and sky. In their lore, the mountain was once a mighty chief named Wy'east, transformed by the Great Spirit during a battle for the affections of a beautiful maiden.

European explorers first sighted Mount Hood in 1792 when British Lieutenant William Broughton, a member of Captain George Vancouver's expedition, named it after the British admiral Samuel Hood. The mountain would later serve as a crucial waypoint for pioneers traversing the Oregon Trail, its distinctive profile guiding countless wagons towards the promise of the Willamette Valley.

In 1845, Samuel K. Barlow blazed a trail around the southern flank of Mount Hood, creating an alternative to the treacherous Columbia River route. This Barlow Road became a lifeline for settlers, cementing Mount Hood's place in the narrative of westward expansion and the birth of Oregon.

Today, Mount Hood is not just a geological feature but a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its slopes host ski resorts, while its forests offer miles of hiking trails. The mountain's enduring allure as both a natural wonder and a historical landmark makes it a fitting subject for the America the Beautiful coin series, which celebrates the nation's most treasured landscapes.

Design Features

The obverse of this magnificent coin features the classic portrait of George Washington, designed by John Flanagan. This iconic image, which has graced the U.S. quarter since 1932, is rendered here in exquisite detail, befitting the coin's larger format. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "QUARTER DOLLAR," maintaining the coin's connection to circulating currency despite its commemorative nature.

The reverse showcases a breathtaking view of Mount Hood rising above Lost Lake, capturing the mountain's reflection in the tranquil waters. This design, crafted by Phebe Hemphill, encapsulates the serene beauty of the Oregon landscape. The foreground features a stand of old-growth fir trees, emphasizing the rich biodiversity of the Mount Hood National Forest. Inscriptions include "MOUNT HOOD," "OREGON," "2010," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," framing this slice of American wilderness.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.999
• Weight: 5 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Philadelphia
• Grading Service: NGC
• Obverse: Portrait of George Washington
• Reverse: Mount Hood reflected in Lost Lake, surrounded by forest

Investment Appeal

The 2010-P 5 oz ATB Mt Hood Silver Coin NGC SP70 represents a compelling opportunity for both numismatists and precious metal investors. Its high silver purity of 0.999 ensures intrinsic value, while the substantial 5 oz weight offers a significant silver holding in a single, beautifully crafted piece. The coin's status as part of the America the Beautiful series, celebrating national parks and sites, adds collectible appeal that may appreciate over time.

The NGC SP70 grade signifies a specimen strike coin in perfect condition, assuring collectors of its pristine quality and potential for long-term value retention. As a limited mintage product from the United States Mint, this coin combines the security of government-backed bullion with the exclusivity of a premium collectible. Whether as a centerpiece in a numismatic collection or as a diversification tool in a precious metals portfolio, this Mount Hood silver coin stands as a tangible piece of American natural and cultural heritage.