Today, the Proof Gold American Eagle is one of the most sought-after collectible gold coins. The 1 oz gold coin is a leader in this series, with 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz options also available. When the Gold Eagle Series launched in 1986 at the US Mint, these four weights were available together in the BU range, but only this 1 oz gold coin was offered in the proof collection. Today, 1986-W 1 oz Proof Gold American Eagles are available to you online with original packaging at Silver.com.
Coin Highlights:new
- Available to ship to you in US Mint presentation boxes with a Certificate of Authenticity included!
- First year of release for the Proof Gold American Eagle!
- Final mintage of 446,290 coins!
- Consists of One Troy ounce of actual gold content.
- The face value of $50 (USD) is fully backed by the US government.
- On the obverse is an effigy of Liberty.
- The reverse features a family of bald eagles.
- Bears W mint marks from the West Point Mint.
The 1986 Proof Gold Eagle was unique in a number of ways. First and foremost, as the first date mark in the history of the Proof Gold Eagle Series, this coin is the most highly coveted among collectors. Second, it boasts the highest mintage, by far, in the history of the Proof Gold Eagle Series, but due to its age remains a hard-to-find coin in the 21st century. Additionally, it was the only weight offered in 1986 in the Proof Gold Eagle Series. The 1/2 oz gold coin was introduced in 1987, followed by the 1/4 and 1/10 oz coins in 1988. It was also the only weight in the series struck at the West Point Mint during this period, as the fractional-ounce coins were issued by the Philadelphia Mint.
All of the 1986-W 1 oz Proof Gold American Eagles in this listing come with the original US Mint presentation box. The coin is housed within the box and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from the mint. As proof coins, each one has frosted designs with mirrored fields.
On the obverse of 1986-W Proof Gold American Eagles is the image of Liberty. Designed in 1907 by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this vision of Liberty captures her full-length figure in front-facing relief as she walks forward. With the U.S. Capitol Building at her feet, she strides forward holding up a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. She is framed by sun rays in the background and is encircled by 50 stars.
The reverse side of 1986-W 1 oz Proof Gold Eagles features a depiction of American bald eagles. The design shows a male eagle soaring over a large nest that holds a female eagle guarding a young hatchling.
Please feel free to contact Silver.com with any questions. You can call us at 888-989-7223, chat with us live online, or email us directly.