1987 $50 Gold Eagle (Regular Strike)

The 1987 $50 Gold Eagle is a part of the United States Mint's flagship gold bullion coin series, the American Gold Eagle. The series was introduced in 1986, and the 1987 $50 Gold Eagle is the second-year issue, which gives it added interest among collectors. The 1987 $50 Gold Eagle has a mintage of 1,045,500, making it a relatively common year for the series, especially when compared to some later issues with lower mintages. Nonetheless, it holds historical significance as part of the early years of the program. The U.S. Mint struck these coins primarily at the West Point Mint, with no mint mark appearing on the coins. From a numismatic perspective, the 1987 $50 Gold Eagle is appealing not only for its gold content, which consists of one troy ounce, but also for its design. It features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and an olive branch, set against a backdrop of the U.S. Capitol building and a rising sun, remnant from the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coins minted between 1907 and 1933. The reverse of the coin showcases Miley Busiek's (later Miley Tucker-Frost) family of eagles design, which remained in use until 2021. It depicts a male eagle in flight carrying an olive branch to a nest of eagles below. Pricing and value fluctuate based on the spot price of gold, market demand, and the coin's condition. Regular strike coins like the 1987 $50 Gold Eagle are commonly available in Mint State, with MS68 and MS69 grades highly sought after. A perfect MS70 can fetch a significant premium due to its rarity in such pristine condition. For instance, verified sales instances demonstrate that MS69 examples have transacted between $2,000 to $2,500 in recent auctions, reflecting the interplay between bullion value and numismatic interest. By comparison, an MS70 example might reach prices significantly higher depending on buyer interest. According to PCGS Coin Facts, the PCGS number for the 1987 $50 Gold Eagle is 9805. Collectors often rely on grading from agencies like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) for reassurance of quality and authenticity, aiding in buying confidence. Coin enthusiasts value the 1987 $50 Gold Eagle for both its bullion content and its role in the enduring American Gold Eagle series' history. As a common yet sought-after example, it embodies a solid investment for collectors and investors alike, especially those interested in numismatic history and gold bullion.