1987 (W) Proof American Eagle Fifty Dollar Gold

Coin Details

Auction Record

$3,500 PR69DCAM 06-26-2023 eBay

Description

The 1987 (W) Proof American Eagle Fifty Dollar Gold is a proof Gold Eagle struck at the West Point Mint, part of the American Eagle Fifty Dollar Gold 1986 to Date series. The U.S. Mint produced 147,498 examples, making this the scarcer of two mint variants, with 12% of total production. The obverse features Liberty striding forward holding a torch and olive branch, with rays of sunlight behind her — widely considered the most beautiful U.S. coin design — adapted from the 1907 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, the most revered U.S. coin design and the reverse displays a family of eagles — an adult and two juveniles — in a nest, designed by Miley Busiek (1986-2020) or an eagle portrait by Jennie Norris, the redesigned reverse introduced in 2021 (2021+). Struck after the transition from silver to clad coinage, as the Mint adapted to modern production methods and record-breaking mintages. As a proof issue, this coin was struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets using polished dies, producing mirror-like fields and frosted design elements prized by collectors. Struck at the West Point Mint, originally a bullion depository that became a full coin production facility, specializing in commemorative and bullion issues. Estimated market value is approximately $8.4K. Struck in 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper, weighing 33.93 grams, 32.7 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. Cataloged as PCGS #9815.