1996 $50 American Gold Eagle

The 1996 $50 American Gold Eagle had a total mintage of just over 189,000 coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This was a smaller mintage for this coin at this location which is possibly why the coin commands a premium in higher Mint State grades. It’s possible to find the 1996 1 oz American Gold Eagle in most Mint State grades all the way up to a perfect Mint State 70 coin.

History of the 1996 $50 American Gold Eagle

When looking for your ideal 1996 American Gold Eagle 1 oz coin, find one with a sharp strike and attractive surfaces. This heavier coin tends to get nicked and scratched easier than other coin series. The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States. The obverse of the American Gold Eagle was designed by Augustus Saint Gaudens, a rendition of the full-length Lady Liberty with her hair flowing and a long dress. She holds a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. There is a small image of the Capitol building in the background. The reverse of the coin was designed by sculptor, Miley Busiek. It features a male American Bald Eagle clutching an olive branch, flying over a nest with a female eagle and her eaglet.