Certified American $10 Gold Eagle 2016-W PR70 PCGS Moy sig.

The Certified American $10 Gold Eagle 2016-W PR70 PCGS Moy Signature is a premier example of modern U.S. gold coinage, combining perfect proof quality with official certification and a distinguished signature. Struck at the West Point Mint, this coin belongs to the American Gold Eagle program—a flagship bullion and numismatic series launched in 1986 by the U.S. Mint. The 2016 Proof edition marks the 31st anniversary of the series and is particularly desirable in PR70 condition, the highest possible grade, indicating a flawless coin under 5x magnification. The added PCGS certification and the signature of Edmund C. Moy, 38th Director of the U.S. Mint, elevate the coin’s collectibility even further, making it a highly sought-after specimen among modern gold collectors.

The obverse of the 2016-W $10 Gold Eagle features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic design of Liberty, which originally debuted on the $20 Double Eagle in 1907. Liberty is shown in full stride, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, with rays of sunlight and the Capitol building in the background. The image is bold and powerful, symbolizing enlightenment, freedom, and peace. Around the rim are fifty stars, representing the states of the Union, with the word “LIBERTY” inscribed above and the date “2016” to the right. In PR70 condition, every intricate detail—from the folds in Liberty’s gown to the fine points of the torch flame—is sharply struck and deeply frosted against the coin’s mirror-like fields.

The reverse, designed by Miley Busiek (now Miley Tucker-Frost), depicts a male bald eagle soaring above a nest that contains a female eagle and her hatchlings. This powerful tableau conveys family, strength, and national pride. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the coin’s weight and denomination: “1/4 OZ. FINE GOLD~10 DOLLARS.” In PR70 grade, the reverse is equally flawless, with deep cameo contrast highlighting the eagle’s feathers, the nest, and the delicate lines in the wings and foliage. The polish and craftsmanship required to achieve this level of precision reflect the high standards of the West Point Mint and the proof minting process.

This coin contains one-quarter troy ounce of 91.67% pure gold (22-karat), blended with small amounts of silver and copper to enhance durability. It weighs 8.513 grams and measures 22 millimeters in diameter. The Gold Eagle series adheres to traditional U.S. gold alloy standards, giving the coin a rich golden hue and a historical consistency with classic U.S. gold coins. The edge of the coin is reeded, a standard feature across all denominations of Gold Eagles, adding a tactile and visual border to its brilliant surfaces.

The 2016-W $10 Gold Eagle Proof was struck at the West Point Mint, as indicated by the “W” mintmark. Proof coins undergo a meticulous production process, involving multiple strikes on specially prepared planchets using polished dies to achieve frosted devices and mirrored backgrounds. These coins are struck individually with extreme care and are typically sold directly by the U.S. Mint to collectors in protective packaging. The proof version of the Gold Eagle differs significantly from its bullion counterpart in terms of finish and mintage, with Proof coins being produced in much lower numbers and targeted specifically at the numismatic market.

The mintage of the 2016-W $10 Proof Gold Eagle totaled approximately 45,127 coins, a modest figure relative to the broader bullion coin market. Of those, only a select number were submitted to PCGS for grading and received the perfect PR70 Deep Cameo designation. Even fewer bear the signature of Edmund C. Moy, whose tenure as U.S. Mint Director from 2006 to 2011 saw numerous innovations and expansions in modern U.S. coinage. His signature on the label, paired with the PCGS certification, adds a layer of prestige and limited-edition appeal that appeals to collectors who seek pedigree, authenticity, and market recognition.

Coins in PR70 condition, particularly with high-profile signers such as Moy, command strong premiums due to their flawless preservation and limited population. PCGS’s encapsulation provides both protection and market confidence, allowing for safe long-term storage and liquidity. The label features the PCGS logo, Moy’s hand-signed signature or facsimile, and the coin’s full description and certification number. Many collectors actively seek out Moy Signature Series coins as part of a registry set or as key elements in modern American numismatic collections.

The 2016 release followed a milestone anniversary year—the 30th anniversary of the Gold Eagle program in 2016—further increasing attention on that year’s proofs. While the 1-ounce version typically garners the most investor attention, the quarter-ounce Gold Eagle holds strong appeal due to its balance of affordability, gold content, and stunning design. It also offers greater divisibility for those building a portfolio of gold in smaller increments while maintaining access to the finest craftsmanship the U.S. Mint offers.

Whether part of a complete Gold Eagle Proof set, a PCGS Signature Label collection, or held as an individual showcase coin, the 2016-W $10 Gold Eagle PR70 PCGS Moy Signature stands out as a pinnacle of modern coin production. Its timeless design, perfect technical execution, and certified provenance combine to make it a standout in the world of 21st-century American gold coinage. For investors, it offers guaranteed gold content and third-party validation. For collectors, it offers unmatched eye appeal, scarcity, and the added cachet of one of the most recognized signatures in U.S. Mint history.

In summary, the Certified American $10 Gold Eagle 2016-W PR70 PCGS Moy Signature is a modern classic—flawless in condition, rich in design, and backed by the reputation of both the U.S. Mint and PCGS. It is a compelling piece for collectors of modern proof gold, signature series coins, or American heritage themes, and it represents an ideal fusion of numismatic artistry and gold value in an enduring, prestigious format.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 2016
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: W
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A