Numismatic

1997-W 1/4 oz Proof American Gold Eagle (w/Box & COA)

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The 1997 West Point minted gold coin is a striking example of American numismatic artistry, containing a quarter ounce of fine gold. This ten-dollar denomination piece is distinguished by its proof finish, which gives the fields a mirror-like quality that beautifully contrasts with the frosted elements of the design. The United States Mint produced a limited run of 29,805 of these coins, each carrying the "W" mint mark to denote its origin at the West Point facility. On the obverse, the design presents a classic depiction of Lady Liberty walking forward, holding a torch to light her way and an olive branch as a symbol of peace. This iconic imagery was originally adapted from the early twentieth-century gold double eagle designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Legible inscriptions on this side include the word "LIBERTY" alongside the year of issue. The reverse, designed by Miley Busiek, captures a detailed family scene of eagles. A male eagle is depicted in flight, carrying an olive branch to a nest where a female eagle and her young eaglets wait. The reverse is rich with traditional mottos, displaying "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM." It also clearly states the coin's weight and purity specifications as "1/4 OZ. FINE GOLD" alongside its face value of "10 DOLLARS."