1986 $50 American Gold Eagle – NGC MS70 "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces/Cabral Auto"
Year: 1986
Mint: Philadelphia
Metal: 1 oz - .9167 Fine Gold (22 karat)
Designation: Brilliant Uncirculated
Grade: MS70
Signature: Anna Escobedo Cabral
A pinnacle of modern U.S. coinage, the 1986 $50 American Gold Eagle, certified MS70 by NGC with the exclusive "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces/Cabral Auto" label, is a collector’s masterpiece. Struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 1,362,650, this inaugural issue of the Gold Eagle program showcases Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic Liberty and Miley Busiek’s eagle family design in flawless condition. The MS70 grade and Anna Escobedo Cabral’s autograph, as the 42nd U.S. Treasurer, elevate its status as a numismatic treasure, blending historical significance, rarity in top grade, and timeless artistry.
A Historic Inaugural Release
Launched in 1986, the American Gold Eagle program marked the U.S. Mint’s return to gold coinage after a half-century hiatus, authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. Struck at Philadelphia without a mintmark for its mint state version, the 1986 $50 Gold Eagle, with a 1 troy ounce gold content, became the flagship of the series. Its mintage of 1,362,650 reflects strong initial demand, yet pristine MS70 examples are exceptionally scarce, making this coin a cornerstone for collectors at Global Coin. As the first year of the series, it set the stage for later rarities, embodying the Mint’s ambition to merge bullion value with numismatic artistry.
The Prestige of the Philadelphia Mint
Struck at the historic Philadelphia Mint, this Gold Eagle carries the legacy of the nation’s first mint, known for producing foundational U.S. coinage. The absence of a mintmark on mint state coins distinguishes it from later West Point issues, adding to its inaugural significance and collector appeal.
Iconic American Design
This coin features two masterful designs, rendered in 22-karat gold with a brilliant uncirculated finish that shines in MS70 condition.
-
Obverse: Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Liberty, adapted from the 1907 Double Eagle, strides forward with a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other, the Capitol dome at her feet, encircled by 50 stars. “LIBERTY” arcs above, “1986” sits to the left. The brilliant uncirculated finish highlights Liberty’s flowing gown and torch with flawless luster in MS70 condition.
-
Reverse: Miley Busiek’s eagle family design depicts a male eagle soaring above a nesting female and eaglets, symbolizing strength and unity. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “1 OZ. FINE GOLD,” and “50 DOLLARS” frame the design. The MS70 grade ensures pristine clarity, with every feather and detail sharply defined.
-
Edge: Reeded, enhancing the coin’s tactile elegance.
The brilliant uncirculated finish accentuates the designs’ bold clarity, with MS70 examples offering museum-quality perfection that captures the Gold Eagle’s inaugural spirit.
Certified Perfection with “Modern Numismatic Masterpieces” Label Autographed by Anna Cabral
Graded MS70 by NGC, this coin achieves flawless perfection, with no imperfections under magnification. The "Modern Numismatic Masterpieces/Cabral Auto" label, signed by Anna Escobedo Cabral, adds a prestigious pedigree, linking it to her influential tenure (2004-2009) during a transformative era for U.S. coinage. The 22-karat gold surface and flawless finish make this coin a standout for collectors seeking rarity and prestige.
