Certified American $50 Gold Eagle 1987 MS69 PCGS

The Certified American $50 Gold Eagle 1987 MS69 PCGS stands as a hallmark of the United States' premier gold bullion series, representing the second year of issue for what has become one of the most trusted and widely collected gold coins in the world. Struck by the United States Mint, the 1987 Gold Eagle builds upon the success of the inaugural 1986 release, continuing to feature a design inspired by American numismatic heritage while offering tangible gold value in a government-backed coin. This particular specimen, certified in near-perfect Mint State 69 (MS69) condition by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), combines investment-grade bullion appeal with the assurance of top-tier quality.

The American Gold Eagle series was authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. The first coins were struck in 1986 as part of a broader movement to give American investors and collectors access to a secure, easy-to-trade gold product that would also honor the country's artistic coinage legacy. Each Gold Eagle contains a full troy ounce of gold, alloyed with small amounts of silver and copper to increase durability. This 22-karat composition, known as "crown gold," harks back to traditional European coin standards and results in a total weight of 1.0909 troy ounces per coin.

The design of the $50 Gold Eagle is one of its most celebrated aspects, particularly on the obverse. Sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic image of Liberty, originally created for the $20 Gold Double Eagle in 1907, was adapted for the modern Eagle series. Liberty is depicted in full stride, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, symbolizing enlightenment and peace. The rays of the sun burst behind her, and the U.S. Capitol appears faintly at her feet. This design has been lauded as one of the most beautiful in American coinage history and remains a tribute to classical ideals expressed through bold, national symbolism.

The reverse design for the 1987 $50 Gold Eagle was created by sculptor Miley Busiek and features a family of bald eagles. A male eagle is shown in flight, carrying an olive branch to a nest that contains a female eagle and their hatchlings. This powerful imagery represents the strength, unity, and familial values of the United States. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” encircle the upper rim, while the coin’s weight, purity, and denomination—“1 OZ. FINE GOLD~50 DOLLARS”—are inscribed along the bottom. The combination of these designs renders the coin immediately recognizable and highly respected.

The 1987 $50 Gold Eagle was minted at the West Point Mint, although the coin itself does not bear a mintmark. West Point has become the primary producer of American Gold Eagles and other precious metal coinage due to its specialized facilities and secure location. The total mintage for the 1987 one-ounce Gold Eagle was 1,045,500 coins, slightly higher than the inaugural 1986 issue. While this mintage is substantial, it remains relatively limited when compared to later years, particularly in Mint State 69 condition with PCGS certification. This enhances its appeal to both numismatists and bullion-focused collectors seeking early, high-grade examples of the series.

The PCGS MS69 grade is an important distinction for collectors. It denotes a coin that is virtually flawless to the naked eye, with only minute imperfections detectable under magnification. PCGS, as one of the most respected third-party grading services in the industry, guarantees the coin's authenticity and grade, encapsulating it in a secure holder with a unique certification number. The label often includes the year, denomination, and grading details, making it easy to verify and track. MS69 coins represent the pinnacle of collectible quality just one step below the perfect MS70, and are especially popular among those seeking both quality and relative affordability.

As the second year of issue, the 1987 Gold Eagle carries particular historical value. It represents a moment when the American Gold Eagle was solidifying its place in the global bullion market, competing with longstanding gold bullion coins like the South African Krugerrand and the Canadian Maple Leaf. Its success was due not only to its gold content and legal tender status but also to the superior artistry and marketing strategy of the United States Mint. The early years of the series are seen as foundational and are often more sought after by collectors who wish to build complete sets or focus on key milestones in the series’ history.

Collectors and investors are also drawn to the American Gold Eagle for its backing by the U.S. government, which guarantees the weight, content, and purity of the gold in each coin. This guarantee, combined with the global reputation of the U.S. Mint, provides a level of trust and liquidity not always present in privately issued bullion. Moreover, the coin’s status as legal tender—with a face value of $50 USD—adds an extra dimension of legitimacy, even if its intrinsic gold value far surpasses the nominal denomination.

The MS69 1987 Gold Eagle holds a strong position in the modern coin market. While the value of such a coin is closely tied to the spot price of gold, the premium commanded by certified examples in top condition can be substantial, especially for early dates. This is particularly true when the coin is slabbed by a top-tier grading service such as PCGS. Its combination of condition, certification, and historic status as the second issue in an enduring bullion series ensures long-term demand from both investors and collectors alike.

The Certified American $50 Gold Eagle 1987 MS69 PCGS stands as an ideal representation of modern American coinage—combining artistry, historical significance, and gold investment in one prestigious package. It is a prime acquisition for those building a high-quality set of Gold Eagles, diversifying into tangible assets, or seeking a numismatic treasure that blends visual beauty with enduring value. Its near-flawless condition and early date designation continue to make it one of the more distinguished entries in this celebrated gold series.

• Denomination: N/A
• Year: 1987
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