Bullion

1990 1 oz American Gold Eagle BU (MCMXC)

---

In 1990, the United States Mint continued its celebrated American Eagle bullion program, which first began in 1986. This fifty dollar legal tender coin is struck in 0.9167 fine gold and stands out for its use of Roman numerals, displaying the year as MCMXC on its face. Produced at the West Point Mint facility, this brilliant uncirculated piece represents a beautiful marriage of classic and modern American coin design. The front of the coin features an adaptation of the famous standing Liberty design originally created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. In this representation, Lady Liberty walks forward majestically, holding a lighted torch in one hand to guide the way and an olive branch in the other as a symbol of peace. The background shows the Capitol dome and the rays of a rising sun. On the reverse, a design by artist Miley Busiek depicts a family of bald eagles. A male eagle is captured in mid-flight, carrying an olive branch back to a nest that holds a female eagle and their hatchlings. This side also bears the traditional national mottos, E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST, alongside the weight and denomination inscriptions.