Numismatic

1986 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle MS-70 NGC

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The debut year of the Gold American Eagle series brought a magnificent fusion of classic and contemporary American imagery to the numismatic world. Struck in 1986, this twenty-five dollar denomination contains exactly one-half troy ounce of gold, representing a key entry in the nation's premier modern bullion program. The front of the coin showcases a celebrated design originally created in 1907 by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It portrays Lady Liberty striding forward, bathed in the radiant beams of a rising sun. The year of issue is elegantly inscribed on this side in Roman numerals as MCMLXXXVI. On the reverse, the artistry of Miley Busiek comes to life. This detailed scene depicts a family of bald eagles, showing a male eagle in mid-flight carrying an olive branch back to a nest where a female eagle and her young wait. This powerful image of family and peace complements the historic strength of the obverse design.