Semi-Numismatic

2006-W 1/10 oz Burnished American Gold Eagle

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In 2006, the United States Mint introduced a novel treatment to its famous gold bullion program, marking the inaugural release of the burnished finish series. Unlike standard circulating coinage, these pieces were struck on specially prepared planchets that underwent a burnishing process. This technique provides the metal with a highly distinct appearance that sets it apart from typical business strikes. This particular five-dollar coin contains 1/10 ounce of gold and was produced at the West Point Mint, bearing the "W" mint mark. The mintage for this specific burnished issue was limited to 20,643 pieces, making it a notable entry in the modern era of American coinage which originally began in 1986. The obverse displays a classic design adapted from the historic gold double eagle by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, showing Lady Liberty walking forward amidst the rays of a rising sun. On the reverse, a design by Miley Busiek depicts a family of bald eagles, featuring a male eagle in mid-flight carrying an olive branch toward a nest that holds a female and their young.