Bullion

1988 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle BU (MCMLXXXVIII)

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The 1988 American Gold Eagle represents a fascinating moment in modern United States coining history, particularly notable for how it displays its production year. Rather than using standard Arabic numerals, this quarter-ounce gold piece features the date rendered in classic Roman numerals as MCMLXXXVIII. This design choice connects the modern bullion series back to the grand traditions of classical coinage. Struck in a quarter-ounce of gold, the coin showcases two distinct artistic visions of American identity. The obverse depicts a full-length figure of Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. On the reverse, a family of eagles is depicted, with a male eagle in flight carrying an olive branch to a nest containing a female eagle and their hatchlings. This brilliant uncirculated piece remains a compelling study in American symbolic art.