2006 $50 Gold Eagle (Regular Strike)

The 2006 $50 Gold Eagle (Regular Strike) is a key piece in the American Gold Eagle series, characterized by its design, mintage, and gold content. With its history rooted in the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, the 2006 issuance continues the tradition of embodying Lady Liberty and the heraldic eagle. The obverse showcases Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic depiction of Lady Liberty, while the reverse features a family of eagles, designed by sculptor Miley Busiek. **Mint & Mintage:** The 2006 $50 Gold Eagle was produced by the United States Mint, predominantly at the West Point facility. According to PCGS CoinFacts, the coin has an official mintage of 349,013. This fairly substantial mintage reflects its status as both a collectible and an investment piece, providing insight into its availability in the market. **PCGS Certification & Rarity:** The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) recognizes the 2006 $50 Gold Eagle under the PCGS number 9850. While this specific year does not boast the lowest mintage in the Gold Eagle series, collectors and investors still find these coins desirable. The coin's rarity increases significantly at higher grades, such as MS70, where pristine quality, verified by PCGS or NGC, becomes a point of premium value. **Value and Market Trends:** The value of the 2006 $50 Gold Eagle is heavily influenced by the fluctuating gold market due to its composition of 1 troy ounce of 91.67% fine gold. In recent years, sales data for these coins, especially those in top conditions, show values well above the spot price of gold. Auctions and private sales illustrate this trend, with MS69 examples trading at modest premiums, while MS70 graded coins garner substantial interest, often selling for several thousand dollars. **Historical Context:** The year 2006 holds significance in the Gold Eagle series as it marked the 20th anniversary of the series' introduction in 1986. This milestone year helped boost interest and demand among numismatists and investors. While the minting process and gold purity remained consistent, the series' significance on its 20th anniversary added an element of historical allure, further elevating its status in collections. **Collector Insights:** Collectors prize the 2006 $50 Gold Eagle not just for its gold content but for its intrinsic beauty and the artistry emblematic of American coinage. The enduring appeal of the Gold Eagle series is evident in both numismatic circles and among those who seek tangible assets. Its historical context, combined with the legacy of its designs and the celebrations marking its 20th anniversary, cements its place as a staple in gold coin collections across the globe. By continually engaging with auction results and market analysis from sources like CoinFacts and other numismatic platforms, enthusiasts and investors can gain a deeper understanding of this coin's value and collectibility.