Numismatic

1990 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle MS-69 NGC

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Introduced in 1990, this five-dollar gold piece contains one-tenth of an ounce of pure gold. Despite its compact size, the coin showcases two remarkably detailed sculptural works that celebrate American heritage and natural symbols. The United States government guarantees the weight and purity of this fractional issue, which had a total production run of 210,210 pieces. The front of the coin displays a classic representation of Liberty, adapted from the famous early twentieth-century design by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens. She is depicted walking forward with strength, illuminated by a background of radiating sunbeams. The Roman numerals MCMXC are inscribed on this face, representing the 1990 year of issue. On the reverse, artist Miley Busiek captures a warm family scene of bald eagles. A male eagle is shown in flight, carrying a branch of olive toward a nest where a female eagle and her hatchlings wait. This detailed image provides a beautiful counterpoint to the classic figure of Liberty on the obverse.