Numismatic

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

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Struck at the West Point Mint in New York, this 1997 issue of the American Gold Eagle stands as a remarkable example of modern proof coinage. The coin contains exactly one ounce of gold, crafted with a purity of 0.9167. Its highly reflective, mirror-like finish highlights the intricate details of its designs, distinguishing it from standard circulating issues. The United States Mint limited the production of this proof release to a worldwide mintage of 32,999 pieces. The obverse features a classic representation of Lady Liberty, depicted in stride with a lit torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. This legendary image is adapted from the famous Gold Double Eagle design created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Legible inscriptions on this face include the word LIBERTY alongside the year of manufacture and the W mint mark, indicating its West Point origin. On the reverse, a detailed scene envisioned by Miley Busiek depicts a male eagle in flight, carrying an olive branch back to a nest where a female eagle and their eaglets wait. The reverse is rich with inscriptions, including UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The bottom edge details the coin's weight and face value, reading 1 OZ. FINE GOLD and 50 DOLLARS.