Certified American $5 Gold Eagle 2016 MS70 PCGS First Strike Moy sig.

The Certified American $5 Gold Eagle 2016 MS70 PCGS First Strike Moy Signature coin represents a pristine example of modern American numismatics, merging historical design, technical perfection, and the added appeal of an authoritative signature label. As part of the long-running American Gold Eagle series, this coin continues a tradition that began in 1986 under the Gold Bullion Coin Act. Authorized by Congress and produced by the United States Mint, the American Gold Eagle program offers investors and collectors legal tender coins composed of 22-karat gold, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. The 2016 edition, struck during the 30th year of the program, carries additional significance as a milestone release, especially in its certified MS70 First Strike form bearing the autograph of Edmund C. Moy, the 38th Director of the U.S. Mint.

The design of the $5 Gold Eagle draws its inspiration from one of the most celebrated motifs in American coinage history—the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. The obverse features Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, a powerful image originally created by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the $20 gold piece first issued in 1907. Behind her, the rays of the sun burst out in radial lines, with the U.S. Capitol building subtly rendered in the background. This design is widely regarded as the most beautiful to ever appear on a U.S. coin and lends an air of classical elegance and patriotic strength to each Gold Eagle. The legend "LIBERTY" arches overhead, and the date "2016" is struck to the lower right of Liberty’s flowing figure.

The reverse was created by sculptor Miley Busiek and has remained consistent throughout the series' history. It depicts a male bald eagle in flight, carrying an olive branch back to a nest where a female eagle and her hatchlings await. This image represents the values of family, unity, and strength. The surrounding inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "IN GOD WE TRUST," as well as the coin’s denomination and metal content: "5 DOLLARS" and "1/10 OZ. FINE GOLD." The pairing of the Saint-Gaudens Liberty with Busiek’s family of eagles reflects the dual themes of American freedom and domestic resilience. Together, these designs have come to define the identity of the Gold Eagle program, offering continuity and symbolism for collectors year after year.

The 2016 $5 Gold Eagle was minted at the West Point Mint in New York, as indicated by the production practices of that facility, though no mintmark appears on the coin. The West Point Mint is well known for its precision and high standards, particularly when it comes to bullion and numismatic precious metal products. Each coin is composed of 22-karat gold (91.67% purity), with the balance made up of silver and copper to increase durability while preserving the rich golden hue. The total weight of the coin is 3.393 grams, or one-tenth of a troy ounce, making it the smallest denomination in the Gold Eagle family. This size appeals to collectors and investors alike, offering a more affordable entry point while maintaining all the artistic and intrinsic features of the series.

The mintage of the 2016 $5 Gold Eagle in bullion form reached into the hundreds of thousands, but only a fraction of those coins were submitted for certification by third-party grading services. The "First Strike" designation by PCGS is awarded to coins received by the grading company within 30 days of the U.S. Mint’s official release, indicating they were among the earliest struck. These coins are often prized for having superior strike quality, clearer details, and stronger luster due to fresher dies and cleaner planchets used early in the production cycle. The addition of the Edmund C. Moy signature on the certification label further enhances the coin’s desirability. Moy served as U.S. Mint Director from 2006 to 2011, overseeing a significant period in American coinage history, including the expansion of bullion programs and commemorative issues. His signature offers a tangible link to the Mint’s leadership and adds prestige to an already exceptional specimen.

The condition of this coin, graded MS70 by PCGS, represents the absolute pinnacle of numismatic quality. A grade of MS70, or Mint State 70, indicates that the coin is in perfect condition as struck, with no visible imperfections under 5x magnification. The surfaces are flawless, the luster is brilliant, and the strike is sharp and well-defined. Coins of this caliber are the most sought after by collectors, especially when combined with the First Strike label and a notable signature such as Moy’s. The coin is encapsulated in a tamper-proof, sonically sealed PCGS holder, which protects it from damage, environmental exposure, and tampering. The label clearly displays the certification information, the First Strike designation, and the Moy autograph, all of which contribute to its long-term appeal and market value.

The packaging and presentation of this certified Gold Eagle also play a role in its desirability. Collectors often appreciate coins that come with added historical context and authentication. The PCGS encapsulation ensures long-term preservation, while the inclusion of Moy’s signature lends credibility and collectibility that extends beyond the coin itself. It becomes not only a perfect example of American gold coinage but also a signed artifact of Mint history, appealing to a broader audience of modern numismatists and gold investors. This additional layer of presentation distinguishes the coin from other bullion pieces and elevates it to a piece worthy of inclusion in high-end collections and registry sets.

The $5 denomination, or tenth-ounce Gold Eagle, has long served as a gateway to gold ownership for small-scale investors and casual collectors. Its fractional size allows for easy liquidity, diversification, and gifting, all while maintaining the iconic designs and legal tender status of larger coins in the series. The 2016 MS70 First Strike edition, however, represents a step beyond standard bullion investment. It is a coin chosen and preserved for its beauty, history, and perfection, suitable for display, long-term appreciation, or inclusion in specialized PCGS-graded sets. As collectors seek to complete high-grade date runs or signature collections, pieces like the Moy-signed 2016 Gold Eagle become ever more desirable due to their scarcity in top condition and their elevated presentation.

The Certified American $5 Gold Eagle 2016 MS70 PCGS First Strike Moy Signature coin is more than just a fractional gold bullion piece—it is a confluence of artistry, history, and perfection. Combining the legacy of Saint-Gaudens’ Liberty, the strength of Busiek’s eagle design, the authority of PCGS grading, and the prestige of Moy’s signature, it stands as a comprehensive representation of what modern American gold coinage can achieve. Whether held for its aesthetic appeal, gold content, or collectible pedigree, this coin represents the best of its kind and serves as a prized addition to any collection focused on quality, history, and excellence in American numismatics.

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• Year: 2016
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