Coin

50 Dollars "American Gold Eagle" Bullion Coinage (1987) — United States

United States • 1987 • KM#219, Fr#B1, PCGS#9806, 9807, etc.

50 Dollars "American Gold Eagle" Bullion Coinage (1987) — United States

Overview

A Proof strike 50 Dollars non-circulating coin of the United States, minted in 1987 at West Point with a limited mintage of 147,498 pieces. The obverse features Standing Liberty holding a torch and olive branch. The reverse depicts a Family of eagles. Composed of Gold (.917) weighing 33.931 grams.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1987
Composition
Gold (.917) (Silver .030, Copper .053)
Weight
33.931 g
Diameter
32.7 mm
Thickness
2.83 mm
Mint
United States Mint of West Point, United States
Mintmark
W
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM#219, Fr#B1, PCGS#9806, 9807, etc.
Issuer
United States

Design details

Obverse

Standing Liberty holding torch and olive branch Script: Latin Lettering: LIBERTY 2006 W ASG Engraver: Augustus Saint-Gaudens

Reverse

Family of eagles Script: Latin Lettering: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN GOD WE TRUST E PLURIBUS UNUM MB JW 1 OZ. FINE GOLD~50 DOLLARS Translation: United States of America In God We Trust Out of Many One MB JW 1 oz. Fine Gold ~ 50 Dollars Engraver: Miley Frost

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Miley Frost is credited as the designer for the Non-circulating coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: United States Mint of West Point, United States (mintmark W). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 147,498. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
  • Precious metal content: Gold (.917) (Silver .030, Copper .053) — bullion value provides a price floor, and many circulated examples were melted during the 1979–1980 and post-2010 silver spikes, reducing the surviving population.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM#219, Fr#B1, PCGS#9806, 9807, etc.. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

Curator Insights

Historical context

Authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, the American Gold Eagle series was launched to provide a domestic investment option to compete with international bullion like the Krugerrand. The 1987 issue represents the second year of the program, continuing the re-establishment of the United States as a primary producer of legal tender gold coinage. These coins were minted during a period of relative economic stability and growing interest in precious metal assets.

Design heritage

The obverse features the iconic full-length figure of Liberty originally created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the 1907 Double Eagle, modified to include additional stars and contemporary positioning. The reverse presents a family of eagles designed by Miley Frost, symbolizing American family values and tradition. This juxtaposition of a classical 20th-century masterpiece with a modern motif defines the aesthetic of the series.

Varieties and technical notes

This 1987 proof issue was struck at the West Point Mint and carries the 'W' mint mark on the obverse to distinguish it from bullion strikes. Collectors should examine the mirror-like fields and frosted devices for the 'Deep Cameo' or 'Ultra Cameo' designations, which are standard for high-quality proof strikes of this era. The edge is consistently reeded as per the technical specifications for the one-ounce denomination.

Survival and modern availability

The total mintage of 147,498 for the 1987-W Proof is relatively high compared to later years in the series, making it accessible for modern collectors. While many remain in their original government-issued velvet cases and capsules, a significant number have been submitted for third-party grading. High-grade specimens in flawless condition are common, though value is fundamentally supported by the underlying gold content and numismatic demand for early-issue proofs.

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