Numismatic

1997 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle MS-69 NGC

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The 1997 half-ounce Gold American Eagle stands as a remarkable example of modern United States coinage, blending historic artistry with contemporary minting standards. Struck from half an ounce of gold with a purity of 0.9167, this twenty-five dollar denomination coin has been graded in near-perfect Mint State 69 condition, showcasing its exceptional preservation and striking quality. The obverse of the coin displays a classic representation of Lady Liberty, a design adapted from the famous early twentieth-century gold double eagle by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. On the reverse, the artistry of Miley Busiek comes to life, depicting a family of bald eagles. A male eagle is captured mid-flight, carrying an olive branch back to a nest containing a female eagle and their young. This reverse design is accompanied by the traditional inscriptions of "IN GOD WE TRUST" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," alongside details of the coin's weight and face value. Guaranteed by the United States Mint, this 1997 release is a fascinating study in American symbolic art, bringing together two distinct eras of design on a single gold canvas.