1986 1/10 oz Gold Eagle $5 NGC MS69

In the twilight of 1985, as the holiday season approached, President Ronald Reagan put pen to paper on a piece of legislation that would redefine America's relationship with precious metals. The Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 paved the way for a new era in American numismatics, setting the stage for the birth of the American Gold Eagle series. As the calendar turned to 1986, anticipation built among collectors and investors alike, eager to witness the unveiling of a coin that would bridge the gap between America's storied past and its golden future.

The 1986 1/10 oz Gold Eagle $5 coin emerged as the smallest denomination in this groundbreaking series, but its diminutive size belied its monumental significance. This coin represented more than just a fraction of an ounce of gold; it was a tangible piece of American heritage, a miniature canvas showcasing the artistry and ideals that defined a nation. For the first time in over half a century, the United States Mint was producing gold coins for public investment, rekindling a tradition that had been dormant since the tumultuous days of the Great Depression.

The coin's design drew inspiration from one of the most celebrated figures in American numismatic history: Augustus Saint-Gaudens. His iconic depiction of Lady Liberty, originally crafted for the $20 gold double eagle in the early 1900s, found new life on the obverse of the Gold Eagle. This artistic choice was no mere coincidence; it was a deliberate nod to America's golden age of coin design, a period when President Theodore Roosevelt sought to elevate U.S. coinage to the realm of fine art.

As collectors held this inaugural issue in their hands, they weren't just examining a coin; they were touching a piece of history. The 1986 Gold Eagle series bridged nearly eight decades, connecting the modern investor to the artistic vision of Saint-Gaudens and the progressive ideals of Roosevelt. It stood as a testament to America's enduring values of liberty and freedom, encapsulated in precious metal.

The introduction of the 1/10 oz denomination was particularly significant. It democratized gold ownership, making it accessible to a broader range of collectors and investors. No longer was gold investment the exclusive domain of the wealthy; now, even those of modest means could participate in this tangible form of wealth preservation. This smaller denomination allowed for greater flexibility in investment strategies and opened up new possibilities for gift-giving and small-scale collecting.

The 1986 1/10 oz Gold Eagle $5 coin quickly became more than just a bullion product; it evolved into a cultural touchstone. It represented America's renewed confidence in its economic future, a symbol of the nation's resilience and optimism as it emerged from the challenges of the previous decades. For numismatists, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in American coin collecting, one that would continue to unfold with each subsequent year's release.

Design Features

The obverse of the 1986 1/10 oz Gold Eagle $5 coin features Lady Liberty in full stride, her flowing hair and robes capturing a sense of forward motion and dynamism. In her right hand, she holds aloft a torch, symbolizing enlightenment, while her left arm cradles an olive branch, an enduring emblem of peace. The Capitol building is visible in the background, grounding the design in the heart of American democracy. The word "LIBERTY" arches prominently above, while the year of minting is inscribed at the bottom.

The reverse design, created by sculptor Miley Busiek, offers a poignant contrast to the solitary figure of Liberty. It depicts a family of eagles, symbolizing the strength and unity of the American family. A male eagle, carrying an olive branch, descends towards a nest where a female eagle tends to her eaglets. This scene not only represents the protective nature of the nation but also its commitment to peace, as evidenced by the olive branch. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "IN GOD WE TRUST" encircle the image, along with the weight and face value of the coin.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: Gold
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features Lady Liberty striding forward, holding a torch and olive branch, with "LIBERTY" inscribed above.
• Reverse: Depicts a family of eagles, symbolizing American strength and unity, with relevant inscriptions.

Investment Appeal

The 1986 1/10 oz Gold Eagle $5 coin stands as a cornerstone for both numismatic collections and investment portfolios. Its historical significance as the inaugural issue of the American Gold Eagle series imbues it with a collectible premium that often surpasses its intrinsic gold value. For investors, this coin offers the dual benefits of precious metal content and numismatic appeal, potentially providing a hedge against economic uncertainty while also holding the promise of appreciation due to its collectible status.

The coin's government-backed purity and weight assure investors of its authenticity and value, making it a trusted vehicle for gold investment. Its smaller denomination allows for greater flexibility in investment strategies, enabling investors to fine-tune their precious metal holdings with precision. Moreover, the widespread recognition of the American Gold Eagle series ensures high liquidity, allowing for easy buying and selling in the global market.

For collectors, the 1986 issue represents the genesis of a beloved series, making it a must-have for those assembling complete collections. Its connection to the artistic legacy of Saint-Gaudens and its role in reviving America's gold coinage tradition add layers of historical and cultural value that resonate with numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.

In essence, the 1986 1/10 oz Gold Eagle $5 coin is more than just a piece of precious metal; it's a slice of American history, a work of art, and a sound investment vehicle all rolled into one. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a prudent investor, or someone looking to own a piece of America's numismatic heritage, this coin offers a unique opportunity to hold a tangible piece of the American dream.