Coin

50 Dollars "American Gold Eagle" Bullion Coinage (1998) — United States

United States • 1998 • KM#219, Fr#B1, PCGS#9806, 9807, etc.

50 Dollars "American Gold Eagle" Bullion Coinage (1998) — United States

Overview

A Proof strike 50 Dollars "American Gold Eagle" Bullion coin issued by the United States. Minted in 1998 with a mintage of 25,886 pieces, it features Standing Liberty holding a torch and olive branch on the obverse, and a family of eagles on the reverse. The coin is composed of Gold (.917) (Silver .030, Copper .053) with a milled reeded edge.

Specifications

Country
United States
Year
1998
Composition
Gold (.917) (Silver .030, Copper .053)
Weight
33.931 g
Diameter
32.7 mm
Thickness
2.83 mm
Mint
United States Mint
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

Reverse

Family of eagles

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 (mintmark W). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Low mintage: Only 25,886 pieces reported. This puts the issue into key-date territory for its series; expect steep grade-based price scaling and a higher counterfeit risk — provenance and third-party grading matter.
  • 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 was introduced to compete with international bullion programs like the South African Krugerrand. By 1998, the United States Mint had established these coins as a premier choice for domestic precious metal investment and numismatic collection. This specific legal tender gold coin represents the flagship denomination of the series issued during a period of relative economic stability in the United States.

Design heritage

The obverse features the iconic 'Standing Liberty' motif originally created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the 1907 Double Eagle, modified with additional stars for contemporary standards. The reverse, designed by Miley Frost (formerly Busiek), depicts a family of eagles which signifies American family values and tradition. This juxtaposition of a heritage design with a modern reverse motif has defined the series since its inception in 1986.

Varieties and technical notes

This 1998 issue was produced specifically as a proof strike, distinguished from standard bullion by its frosted devices and mirror-like fields. Collectors should look for the 'W' mint mark indicating production at the West Point Mint, as well as the deeply mirrored surfaces characteristic of the era's specialized pressing techniques. The reeded edge should be crisp and uniform across the entire 32.7 millimeter diameter.

Survival and modern availability

The United States Mint recorded a total mintage of 25,886 units for the one-ounce proof Gold Eagle in 1998. Because these coins were sold in protective capsules and velvet presentation cases, a high percentage of the original mintage has survived in Mint State or Gem Proof condition. Unlike circulation coins, these bullion-based issues rarely show wear, though potential buyers should check for red copper spots or haze that can occasionally develop on the gold alloy over time.

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