Burnished $50 Gold Eagle Uncirculated 2022-W Original Box

The Burnished $50 Gold American Eagle Uncirculated 2022-W coin is a premier modern bullion issue struck by the United States Mint at the West Point facility, featuring a “W” mintmark and presented in its original government packaging (OGP). As part of the U.S. Mint’s Burnished Gold Eagle series, this 2022 edition combines the enduring appeal of 1-ounce .9167 fine gold with specialized uncirculated finish and low mintage exclusivity. Designed for collectors rather than bullion investors, the burnished Gold Eagle offers distinctive beauty, numismatic value, and direct continuity with the nation’s most iconic modern gold coin program.

The Burnished Gold Eagle program began in 2006 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American Eagle coin series, which had been launched in 1986 under the Gold Bullion Coin Act. The burnished versions are not business strikes intended for mass distribution, nor are they mirror-like proof strikes. Instead, they are specially treated collector coins with a soft, matte-like satin finish, achieved through a unique minting process that involves striking burnished planchets with specially prepared dies. Unlike bullion coins, which are sold through authorized dealers, burnished Gold Eagles are sold directly by the U.S. Mint to collectors, typically with limited annual production.

The obverse of the 2022-W Burnished Gold Eagle features the iconic design of Lady Liberty based on Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ original 1907 $20 double eagle. She strides forward confidently with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. The Capitol building appears faintly in the lower left, with rays of sunlight radiating in the background. “LIBERTY” arches across the top, and the date “2022” appears on the right side. A ring of stars surrounds the lower rim, representing the original 13 colonies. The detail in Liberty’s gown and the fine rays emanating from behind her are crisply defined in the burnished finish, offering a classical elegance unique to this version of the coin.

The reverse design, introduced in mid-2021 and continuing through 2022, features a close-up left-profile portrait of a bald eagle, a striking work by Jennie Norris, a U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program artist. The design emphasizes the eagle’s strength and watchful intelligence, focusing closely on its eye and beak. It replaced the former “Family of Eagles” reverse that had been used from 1986 through early 2021. Around the eagle’s image are inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” across the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the sides, and the denomination “50 DOLLARS” and metal content “1 OZ. FINE GOLD” at the bottom. The design is deeply impressed in the burnished surface, resulting in subtle contrasts and a softly glowing matte finish.

This 2022-W Burnished Gold Eagle is struck in 22-karat gold, with a composition of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper—known for both durability and its characteristic warm hue. It weighs 33.931 grams (1.0909 troy ounces) and measures 32.7 millimeters in diameter. Unlike bullion coins, which may exhibit contact marks from stacking or mass handling, burnished coins are individually handled with care throughout the minting and packaging process, ensuring a more pristine appearance. The satin surface of the burnished strike is distinguishable from the mirror-proof and business strike bullion versions, offering a distinct visual and tactile experience for collectors.

The “W” mintmark is struck beneath the eagle’s head on the reverse, identifying the West Point Mint as the production facility. West Point is renowned for its precision in producing proof and burnished American Eagle coins and has long been the principal source of America’s modern gold coinage. Coins issued in this format are presented in a maroon velvet-lined clamshell case within a black U.S. Mint outer box, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). The original packaging enhances the collectibility and ensures the coin remains protected from environmental factors and mishandling over time.

The 2022 release continues the second full year of the Type 2 reverse design and remains part of a broader effort by the U.S. Mint to refresh and modernize its flagship coin programs. Mintage numbers for burnished coins are generally much lower than bullion or proof versions, adding a layer of scarcity. Though final audited mintage figures are subject to confirmation, production typically falls between 5,000 to 15,000 pieces annually—far fewer than the hundreds of thousands produced for regular bullion issues. This built-in scarcity, combined with the specialized finish and direct availability only from the Mint, contributes to strong collector demand.

Condition is paramount with burnished coins, and a BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) specimen housed in its original packaging indicates it has not been handled outside of the Mint’s protective environment. Coins in this state retain their original finish, unmarred by contact marks or tarnish. The sealed capsule within the box protects the coin from humidity, dust, and oil from human skin, making it an ideal candidate for future third-party grading or long-term display as-is. Collectors value original government packaging as it provides authenticity, provenance, and historical context tied to the coin’s release year.

Numismatically, the Burnished 2022-W $50 Gold Eagle holds multiple points of interest: it features the modernized Type 2 reverse design, retains the revered Saint-Gaudens obverse, and comes with the low mintage and specialty finish of the burnished series. It appeals to modern coin collectors, gold investors seeking government-issued numismatics, and those building date runs of burnished or West Point Mint issues. Its substantial gold content also ensures intrinsic value, providing a hedge against inflation or currency devaluation while simultaneously offering a superior numismatic presentation.

The Burnished $50 Gold Eagle Uncirculated 2022-W with Original Box represents a premier issue in the U.S. Mint’s collector gold series. With its classic design, specialized finish, and mint-sealed presentation, it captures both the artistic legacy and modern refinement of American numismatics. Ideal for display, investment, or long-term collection building, it exemplifies the highest standards of modern minting and embodies the enduring symbols of liberty, peace, and national pride that define the American Eagle series.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 2022
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A