Numismatic

1996 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle MS-70 NGC

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The 1996 American Gold Eagle stands as a remarkable example of modern United States coinage, combining precious metal content with historic artistic traditions. This particular ten-dollar denomination contains a quarter-ounce of gold, struck with a purity of 0.9167. A total of 60,318 of these coins were minted in 1996, making them a fascinating subject for study. The obverse of the coin displays a celebrated depiction of Lady Liberty, adapted from a classic early twentieth-century design. She is shown walking forward with strength, set against a backdrop of radiating sunbeams. This side of the coin carries the word LIBERTY alongside the year of issue. On the reverse, the coin portrays a detailed wildlife scene. A male bald eagle is captured mid-flight, carrying an olive branch back to a nest that holds a female eagle and their young. This side features several prominent inscriptions, including UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and E PLURIBUS UNUM, alongside the denomination of 10 DOLLARS and the weight notation of 1/4 OZ FINE GOLD.