The $50 gold coin considered by many as one of the world’s most beautiful gold coins is the American Gold Eagle. This series of coinage (also available in 1/10 oz., ¼ oz., and ½ oz.) is backed by the U.S. Government Mint for accuracy of weight and purity. First minted in 1986, one of its distinctive features is its hardness which helps to resist scratches and other damage with wear. The combination of pure gold and a small amount of silver and copper alloy provides this feature. By law the gold used to produce this one must be mined in the United States.
History
Authorized by the United States Congress with the Bullion Coin Act of 1985 these 50 dollar gold coins are considered legal tender. They are backed by the U.S. Mint for weight and content.
The obverse design on the $50 gold coin was inspired by Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ $20 coin that was minted from 1907-1933. A full length view of Lady Liberty is shown with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. She is depicted in full length with the Capitol building in the background. “LIBERTY” is along the top border and the date of issue is to her left. The reverse features a family of American Eagles symbolizing family tradition and unity. The male eagle is flying above a nest that contains a female eagle and her hatchlings. He is carrying an olive branch in his talons. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” is on either side of the male eagle. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is along the top border with the content and face value along the bottom border. It was designed by sculptor, Miley Busiek.
Uncirculated and proof versions have been minted in the past but these have been suspended due to high demand for these $50 gold coins. They will be minted again when sufficient blanks can be produced. They are minted at the West Point Mint and marked with its mark, “W”, beneath the date.
Other Information
Investors will find that the American Gold Eagle is an affordable and easy way to add to their portfolio. They can be converted into cash when need be and have proven to bring a high return. Another great aspect is that it is easy to store these gold coins. For sale from the United States Mint, banks, brokerage houses, coin dealers, or precious metals dealers, they are widely purchased and traded.
Tracking the value of these coins is easy. Most major newspapers and many internet sites report the daily gold price.
Another important aspect of this gold bullion investment coin is that it can be used to fund an Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
