Numismatic

1997-W 1/10 oz Proof American Gold Eagle PR-70 PCGS

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The 1997 proof tenth-ounce gold coin stands as a remarkable example of modern American coining, combining a classic artistic legacy with precise contemporary production. Struck at the West Point Mint, as indicated by its distinctive W mint mark, this five-dollar denomination coin contains exactly 0.1000 troy ounces of gold. Its proof finish highlights the meticulous details of its two contrasting designs, making it a captivating piece for those who appreciate the intersection of metalwork and national iconography. On the obverse, the coin displays a celebrated depiction of Lady Liberty. She is shown in mid-stride, moving forward with determination against a backdrop of radiating sunbeams. This powerful image is a direct adaptation of the famous early twentieth-century design originally created for the twenty-dollar gold piece, translating a monumental work of American art onto a smaller scale. The reverse side presents a detailed family scene of bald eagles, symbolizing unity and strength. A male eagle is captured mid-flight, carrying an olive branch back to a nest where a female eagle and their young await. This side also bears the traditional national mottos, including the phrases IN GOD WE TRUST and E PLURIBUS UNUM, alongside the denomination and gold weight specifications.