Certified American $25 Gold Eagle 2016 MS70 PCGS First Strike Moy sig.

The Certified American $25 Gold Eagle 2016 MS70 PCGS First Strike Moy Signature coin is a superb modern example of precision minting, historical reverence, and numismatic prestige. As part of the U.S. Mint's long-running American Gold Eagle program, the 2016 half-ounce gold eagle occupies a significant place in the bullion and collector market. Authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, the American Gold Eagle series was first introduced in 1986 and has since become the most widely recognized and collected gold bullion program issued by the United States. The 2016 edition marks the 30th anniversary of the series, making it a meaningful year for both investors and numismatists. The coin’s certification as MS70 by PCGS with the coveted First Strike designation and the Edmund C. Moy signature label enhances its desirability and status among collectors of modern U.S. coinage.

The obverse of the 2016 American $25 Gold Eagle showcases the timeless Saint-Gaudens design, originally created for the $20 Double Eagle in 1907. This iconic image features Lady Liberty striding confidently forward with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Her figure is framed by a burst of sun rays in the background and encircled by fifty stars representing the states of the Union. The U.S. Capitol building can be seen faintly behind her, anchoring the design in a place of national significance. The word "LIBERTY" appears across the top, and the date “2016” is located to the right of Liberty’s flowing gown. This design is widely considered one of the most beautiful in American numismatics, reflecting ideals of freedom, strength, and optimism. It remains unchanged throughout the Gold Eagle series and continues to capture the spirit of the nation in gold.

The reverse of the coin features a powerful and symbolic image of family and unity, designed by sculptor Miley Busiek. A male bald eagle flies above a nest, carrying an olive branch in its talons, while a female eagle looks on, cradling their hatchlings. This depiction emphasizes the foundational values of American society—family, peace, and vigilance. The reverse also bears the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” as well as the denomination “25 DOLLARS” and the weight and purity, listed as “1/2 OZ. FINE GOLD.” The combination of the classical obverse and contemporary reverse ties the Gold Eagle series to both America’s historic legacy and its enduring present. This duality of design ensures that each Gold Eagle not only serves as a medium of value but also as a canvas of national symbolism.

The 2016 $25 Gold Eagle was struck at the West Point Mint in New York, one of the U.S. Mint's premier facilities for the production of bullion and collector coins. Though the coin itself bears no mintmark, its origin is confirmed through Mint documentation and the First Strike certification process. Each Gold Eagle is composed of 22-karat gold, or 91.67% pure gold, with the balance consisting of copper and silver to provide added strength and durability. The total weight of the half-ounce Gold Eagle is 16.966 grams. The alloy produces a warm, rich tone that differs from the yellow hue of 24-karat gold coins and gives the coin added physical resilience, allowing it to withstand handling and long-term storage more effectively. The half-ounce denomination offers a mid-point option for collectors and investors who seek a substantial gold coin that remains within a more affordable price range compared to the one-ounce counterpart.

The mintage of the 2016 $25 Gold Eagle in bullion form reached approximately 60,000 coins, a figure that is relatively modest in comparison to the one-ounce version and significantly lower than typical mintages for Silver Eagles. Only a portion of these coins received the First Strike designation from PCGS, and even fewer were awarded the flawless MS70 grade. The First Strike label is reserved for coins that were shipped to PCGS within 30 days of the U.S. Mint’s initial release, suggesting that the coin was among the earliest struck, often considered to be of superior quality due to fresh dies and cleaner planchets. The addition of the Edmund C. Moy signature on the certification label further increases the coin’s appeal. Moy served as the 38th Director of the U.S. Mint from 2006 to 2011, overseeing major initiatives including modern bullion programs. His signature provides collectors with a direct connection to a period of significant development in American coinage.

The MS70 grade, awarded by the Professional Coin Grading Service, is the highest possible grade a modern coin can receive, indicating that the coin is in perfect condition under 5x magnification. Coins of this caliber show no post-production imperfections, possess full mint luster, and exhibit sharp, well-struck details. The reverse and obverse designs appear with crisp edges and mirror-like surfaces, free of nicks, scratches, or contact marks. Coins certified as MS70, especially those with the First Strike label and signed by a former Mint Director, are considered elite specimens and are often held in the most advanced collections or sold at a premium over bullion value. Housed in a tamper-evident PCGS slab, the coin remains fully protected from environmental exposure and physical damage, preserving its condition indefinitely.

The packaging and presentation further distinguish this certified coin. The PCGS holder includes the First Strike banner and the Edmund C. Moy autograph on the label, along with the full coin description and numerical grade. Collectors prize such certified pieces not only for the pristine condition of the coin but also for the additional authentication and historical context provided by the Moy signature. Signature labels offer increased desirability, especially for collectors building registry sets or thematic groupings based on U.S. Mint leadership or high-grade modern coinage. As such, the 2016 MS70 First Strike Moy Signature Gold Eagle is more than a bullion coin—it becomes a curated, collectible artifact that blends numismatic excellence with a unique touch of Mint history.

The half-ounce Gold Eagle denomination offers unique advantages. It bridges the gap between large-format and fractional coins, offering a tangible weight in gold while remaining more accessible than the full-ounce version. As a result, it appeals to collectors who prefer coins with a significant presence, as well as investors seeking diversification. The 2016 version, certified MS70 and enhanced with the Moy signature and First Strike label, represents a high-water mark within this denomination’s modern production history. As the Gold Eagle series celebrated its 30th anniversary, coins like this became an ideal way to commemorate the longevity and success of America’s premier gold program.

The Certified American $25 Gold Eagle 2016 MS70 PCGS First Strike Moy Signature coin stands at the intersection of investment-grade bullion and premium collectible. It honors a legacy rooted in Saint-Gaudens' iconic design while embodying the best qualities of modern numismatics: flawless condition, meticulous certification, and historical connection. For collectors seeking a perfect example of mid-size gold excellence with documented provenance and exceptional presentation, this coin offers both tangible and aesthetic value. Whether held as part of a portfolio, added to a registry set, or simply appreciated for its beauty, the 2016 $25 Gold Eagle MS70 Moy Signature First Strike is a shining example of the United States Mint’s highest standards of coinage and tradition.

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• Year: 2016
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