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Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 50660
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| Metal/Chg | Bid | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Updated: 05/01/25 09:08:01 | ||
Gold
-56.66
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$3,231.17 | $3,245.14 |
The Certified American $50 Burnished Gold Eagle 2013-W SP70 PCGS First Strike represents one of the finest examples of modern American numismatics. The Burnished Gold Eagle series began in 2006 as a way for the U.S. Mint to offer a collector-grade version of their popular bullion coin, emphasizing a unique finish and pristine presentation. By 2013, these Burnished issues had earned a reputation among collectors for their low mintages, attractive matte-like surfaces, and scarcity in perfect condition. The 2013-W issue, certified as SP70 by PCGS with the coveted First Strike designation, showcases the full achievement of the U.S. Mint’s craftsmanship during the second decade of the 21st century, combining aesthetic excellence with precious metal content and collector prestige.
The design of the 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle is based on Augustus Saint-Gaudens' legendary $20 Double Eagle, originally minted from 1907 to 1933. The obverse features Lady Liberty striding confidently forward, torch in her right hand and olive branch in her left, set against a background of the rising sun and the U.S. Capitol building. Her figure is surrounded by fifty stars, symbolizing the states of the Union. The reverse, designed by sculptor Miley Busiek, depicts a male bald eagle flying above a nest containing a female eagle and hatchlings, a scene representing family tradition, strength, and the continuity of American ideals. This enduring design pairing continues to resonate deeply with collectors and investors, embodying both classical artistry and national symbolism in one of the most respected gold coin programs worldwide.
The mint responsible for the production of the 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle is the West Point Mint in New York, indicated by the "W" mintmark on the obverse beneath the date. The West Point Mint specializes in precious metal coinage and is renowned for its exceptional quality control and expertise in minting techniques. For the Burnished Gold Eagles, the Mint used specially prepared planchets that were hand-fed into the presses, creating a soft, matte-like finish distinct from the brilliant luster of bullion or proof versions. This burnished finish enhances the finer design details, allowing Liberty’s flowing robes and the eagles’ feathers to appear even more intricately defined. The care and precision employed at the West Point Mint ensure that Burnished Gold Eagles stand apart in quality and artistry from regular bullion issues.
The mintage of the 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle was relatively limited, a factor that significantly enhances its desirability among collectors. Only 7,293 one-ounce Burnished Gold Eagles were struck in 2013, making it one of the scarcer issues in the series. This modest production figure reflects the specialized nature of the Burnished Eagles, which were produced expressly for collectors rather than for general bullion investment purposes. The low mintage, combined with the difficulty of achieving a flawless specimen due to the delicate burnished finish, ensures that examples certified as SP70 (Specimen 70, the highest grade possible) by PCGS with the First Strike designation are particularly prized in the numismatic community. The limited availability of perfect examples exerts upward pressure on their value, especially among those seeking to assemble complete date sets or registry sets.
The technical specifications of the 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle align with other issues in the American Gold Eagle program. Each coin contains one troy ounce of gold, with a total composition of 91.67% gold (22 karats), 3% silver, and 5.33% copper, resulting in a total weight of 33.931 grams. The coin measures 32.7 millimeters in diameter and 2.87 millimeters in thickness. The added silver and copper improve the coin’s durability, providing resistance against scratching and handling marks while still delivering the rich, warm color of traditional 22-karat gold. These dimensions and metal content are consistent with the Gold Eagle standard, ensuring that Burnished coins maintain compatibility and consistency with the wider series in which they belong.
The condition of the Certified American $50 Burnished Gold Eagle 2013-W SP70 PCGS First Strike is absolutely impeccable. The SP70 grade denotes a coin that is flawless under 5x magnification, exhibiting no visible marks, hairlines, or imperfections. The First Strike designation indicates that the coin was struck within the first 30 days of the Mint’s release, often considered to have crisper details and superior overall quality compared to later strikes. As a result, these coins display exceptional sharpness in the details of Liberty’s figure, the eagles' plumage, and the intricate background elements. The burnished finish provides a unique and highly attractive texture, offering a subdued yet refined luster that distinguishes it from standard Mint State or Proof versions. Housed in a PCGS holder with a special First Strike label, the coin is protected from environmental damage and handling, preserving its pristine condition indefinitely if stored properly.
The 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle holds a special place within the broader American Gold Eagle program because it offers collectors an opportunity to own a low-mintage, beautifully finished coin tied directly to one of the most iconic designs in American numismatics. The Burnished series has often attracted a dedicated following, separate from the bullion investors who typically seek out standard Gold Eagles. Collectors appreciate the extra steps the Mint takes in the production process, as well as the more artistic, understated aesthetic of the burnished finish compared to the bright, mirror-like appearance of proof coins. The 2013-W issue, given its low mintage and high rate of certification at top grades, continues to be a standout year for this series.
Market demand for the Certified 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle SP70 PCGS First Strike remains strong, with premiums over spot gold price reflecting the coin’s rarity, condition, and collector interest. Registry collectors in particular often seek First Strike SP70 coins to maximize the scores of their sets, driving competition for the finest examples. As a result, the 2013-W Burnished Eagle enjoys stable pricing even during periods of bullion market fluctuation, offering not just the security of gold content but also the added value of certified numismatic excellence. Over time, the combination of limited supply and sustained demand suggests that high-grade examples will become increasingly difficult to acquire at accessible prices.
The artistry of the 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle also deserves recognition for how it captures and preserves the ideals embodied in the original Saint-Gaudens design. Liberty’s dynamic pose, the sun’s radiant energy, and the vigilant family of eagles serve as enduring representations of freedom, hope, and resilience. The burnished surface, with its soft glow, lends a sense of timelessness and dignity to the imagery, making the coin feel like both a contemporary masterpiece and a tribute to the classical golden age of American coinage. Each coin thus acts not only as a financial asset but also as a small, beautifully crafted symbol of national pride and artistic achievement.
Overall, the Certified American $50 Burnished Gold Eagle 2013-W SP70 PCGS First Strike stands as a superb acquisition for collectors and investors alike. Its low mintage, perfect certification, and special First Strike status, combined with the enduring beauty of its design and the tangible value of one ounce of gold, make it a piece of lasting significance. As the years pass and fewer flawless examples remain available, the coin's appeal is likely to grow, cementing its place among the most celebrated modern issues of the American Gold Eagle series. Whether valued for its aesthetic beauty, historical resonance, or investment potential, the 2013-W Burnished Gold Eagle exemplifies the very best of modern American numismatic artistry.