1996 (W) Proof American Eagle Fifty Dollar Gold

Coin Details

Description

The 1996 (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. With a mintage of 36,153, this is a scarce issue — the scarcer of two mint variants, with 16% 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 $11K. 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 #9909.