Liberty Mint

Liberty Mint was a mint based in Provo, Utah, owned by Howard and Larry Ruff. Howard Joseph Ruff was a financial adviser and writer of the pro-hard money investing newsletter "The Ruff Times." Other business interests included the political organization "Free The Eagle", a travel agency, a coin company "RuffCo", and an investment company "Jefferson Institute". Liberty Mint, which began operations in 1983, was run by Larry Ruff. It ceased operations in 1999.

Since 1983, the company provided custom minting services for foreign countries, domestic states, municipalities, Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The Company's business is primarily comprised of manufacturing and designing custom coins and silver collectibles. Early on, the company's primary product was bullion silver rounds. The company produced these bullion silver rounds on a limited basis (one troy ounce, .999 pure medallions) for investors (this was the mainstay of business from 1983 to 1987). It also produced advertising rounds "Free The Eagle" and "Ruff Times".

While the focal point in the early years was bullion, the mint was involved in the production of silver rounds for many corporations as well. Examples include gold retirement coins for retiring Dow Chemical employees, silver coin premiums given to prospective Chrysler customers who take a test drive, General Motors, Procter & Gamble, Disney World, and the Super Bowl. The rounds produced by Liberty Mint were minted with .999 Fine Silver and varied from business strikes to proof-like in finish.

Liberty Mint Products

     • USS Constitution rounds (undated)
     • Statue of Liberty rounds (1985, 1986, undated)
     • Free The Eagle 1 Oz and fractional rounds
     • Ruff Times 1 Oz and fractional rounds
     • Miscellaneous commemorative event 1 Oz rounds (dated and undated)