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Inventory:
2 In Stock
- Product ID: 57156
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 08/15/25 05:21:02 | ||
Gold
 8.93
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$3,343.57 | $3,357.04 |
The Burnished $50 Gold Eagle Uncirculated 2021-W is a significant modern issue from the United States Mint, celebrated both for its refined finish and for its place within a transformative year for the American Gold Eagle program. Struck at the West Point Mint from one troy ounce of .9167 fine gold (22-karat), this coin is part of the popular Burnished or "uncirculated" series, which offers a matte-like finish and special production quality aimed at discerning collectors. The 2021 release marks a momentous occasion: the introduction of a new reverse design after 35 years of the original, making this coin a must-have for numismatists and investors alike.
The American Gold Eagle program was introduced in 1986 following the passage of the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. The goal was to create a domestically produced, government-backed gold bullion coin that could compete in the global precious metals market. The program includes bullion, proof, and burnished (uncirculated) versions, with the burnished coins first introduced in 2006 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series. These burnished coins are struck using specially prepared dies and blanks, yielding a distinctive soft, satin-like surface finish and hand-fed into the presses to ensure precision. Each coin also carries the “W” mintmark of the West Point facility, distinguishing it from bullion versions.
The obverse of the 2021-W Burnished Gold Eagle features the classic image of Liberty, based on Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic design originally created for the $20 Gold Double Eagle of 1907–1933. It shows a full-length figure of Liberty striding forward confidently with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, set against a background of sun rays and the Capitol building. In 2021, the U.S. Mint implemented a refresh of this design using advanced digital imaging and historical references to Saint-Gaudens’ original models. As a result, finer details—including the texture of Liberty’s gown, her facial expression, and the positioning of the sun rays—were enhanced, lending greater depth and accuracy to the time-honored obverse.
Perhaps the most notable change in the 2021 edition is the new reverse design, introduced mid-year and featured on the Burnished coin. Created by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Jennie Norris and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon, the reverse depicts a powerful, highly detailed left-facing portrait of a bald eagle. The eagle’s penetrating gaze and textured feathers bring a new emotional intensity and naturalism to the series, contrasting with the heraldic eagle of the original reverse by Miley Busiek. Inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the coin’s weight and denomination “1 OZ. FINE GOLD~50 DOLLARS,” and the “W” mintmark, attesting to its origin at the West Point Mint.
The 2021-W Burnished $50 Gold Eagle is struck from an alloy of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper, the same historic formula used since the program’s inception. This alloy adds strength and durability, giving the coin a slightly warmer tone than pure 24-karat gold. Each coin weighs 1.0909 troy ounces (33.931 grams) with a diameter of 32.70 mm and a reeded edge. The burnished finish is achieved through a specialized process that involves polishing the planchets before striking, producing a soft matte surface distinct from both proof and bullion strikes. This elegant finish provides exceptional clarity to the devices, allowing the enhanced details of Liberty and the new eagle to fully shine.
Mintage for the 2021-W Burnished Gold Eagle was limited, contributing to its appeal. Final production figures indicate a mintage of approximately 8,426 coins, a notably low number compared to bullion and even proof issues from the same year. This scarcity, coupled with the significance of the design change, has made the 2021 burnished coin a key piece in the Gold Eagle chronology. Each coin was sold directly by the U.S. Mint and packaged in an elegant black velvet presentation case, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity that confirms the coin’s specifications and pedigree. Collectors value this original packaging not only for its presentation but also for its role in preserving the coin’s provenance and long-term desirability.
Most examples of the 2021-W Burnished $50 Gold Eagle arrive in pristine condition, having been carefully handled by the Mint and securely housed in their original presentation boxes. When submitted to third-party grading services such as PCGS or NGC, many coins achieve top grades of MS69 or MS70. These high-grade coins, especially those labeled as “First Day of Issue” or “Advanced Release,” command significant premiums on the secondary market. However, even raw or ungraded examples in their original Mint packaging remain highly sought after due to their low mintage and unique finish.
The release of the new eagle reverse in 2021 marked the first major design change in the Gold Eagle program’s history, making the Burnished coin from this year especially collectible. It represents a turning point, bridging the original series with a new era of American gold coinage. Those who collect by type, year, or finish often regard the 2021 Burnished issue as essential due to its transitional significance. Additionally, the coin’s low mintage and enhanced designs add to its historical and aesthetic weight, ensuring a lasting place in modern numismatic collections.
Conditionally, the coin offers superior eye appeal and craftsmanship. The burnished finish resists hairlines and spotting better than proof surfaces, and the textured fields contrast beautifully with the polished details of Liberty and the eagle. The design elements are fully struck, with sharp lines in the eagle’s feathers, Liberty’s gown, and the inscriptions. When stored in its original Mint box or in a third-party holder, the coin’s condition remains stable over time, especially when protected from moisture and extreme temperature changes.
For collectors, the 2021-W Burnished $50 Gold Eagle represents a unique convergence of artistry, gold content, and historical importance. For investors, it offers a trusted and government-backed way to hold physical gold in a format that is more refined than typical bullion. Its legal tender status, low mintage, and iconic designs from two of America’s most celebrated numismatic artists—Saint-Gaudens and Norris—make it a standout in any precious metals or rare coin portfolio. Whether purchased for its beauty, its rarity, or its symbolism, the coin stands as a distinguished reflection of American minting excellence and the evolving story of the Gold Eagle series.