This little beauty is my first and only gold coin that I ever purchased to date. I latched onto it a couple years ago and have to admit, paid more than what it was worth at the time.
This issue of the American Eagles were first minted in 1986. This particular denomination of the Gold Eagle is the smallest gold bullion coin issued from the U.S. Mint with regards to size.
The obverse has the likeness of the infamous striding Liberty design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens that is most noted on the $20 Gold Double Eagles that were minted from 1907 through 1933.
The reverse of the coin shos a family of eagles around a nest with another eagle approaching the nest. The design is by Miley Busiek.
The coin has a reeded edge, weighs 3.393grams, thickness of 1.26mm, and is 16.5mm in diameter.
The uncirculated versions of these are common. The one exception may be the 199-W which was made from unpolished proof dies and only 14,500 were minted. They now trade at a premium.
