The 1996 1 oz American Gold Eagle is considered one of the more desirable dates from the early years of the Gold Eagle bullion series. With a noticeably lower mintage than many surrounding issues, this release has earned lasting interest from collectors completing date runs and buyers seeking lower-mintage examples. Certified 1996 1 oz American Gold Eagle Coins are currently available from BGASC.

Highlights:

• Comes with an individual slab!
• 11th release of 1 oz Gold Eagles!
• Final mintage of only 189,148 coins!
• Contains 1 troy oz of actual gold content.
• The face value of $50 (USD) is backed by the US government.
• Graded Mint State 70 by the Professional Coin Grading Service.
• On the obverse is Lady Liberty.
• The reverse features a bald eagle family.

Each coin offered here has received the highest Mint State 70 certification from the Professional Coin Grading Service. Coins with this grade retain complete mint luster and show no post-production flaws. The combination of a perfect grade and a comparatively limited mintage has helped make the 1996 American Gold Eagle one of the most recognized key dates in the bullion series.

Obverse

On the obverse of the 1996 American Gold Eagle is Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ enduring Liberty design. Lady Liberty strides forward confidently with a torch raised high and an olive branch in her opposite hand. Behind her, the Capitol building and bright sun rays complete one of the most respected designs ever used on American coinage.

Reverse

The reverse of the 1996 1 oz Gold Eagle displays Miley Busiek’s family of bald eagles. In the design, a male eagle approaches the nest while a female eagle remains with her eaglets, creating a scene that combines patriotic symbolism with an image of family and protection.

History

The West Point Mint struck the 1996 1 oz American Gold Eagle with a total bullion mintage of just 189,148 coins. At the conclusion of production, it represented the lowest mintage of the series and reflected softer market demand for gold bullion products during the mid-1990s. Even as additional issues have been released, the 1996 coin still ranks as the fourth-lowest mintage in the series as of 2025, behind only the 2001, 2007, and 2025 issues.

Ordering

If you would like additional information, please contact BGASC. Our customer service team is available at 888-992-4272 or through our online email contact form.