100 Greatest U.S. Modern Coins Series: 2006-W $50 American Gold Eagle, Reverse Proof

Every year, the United States Mint produces and releases its core items. These items range from Mint and Proof Sets to Native American $1 Coins to Kennedy Half Dollars. Although most of the coins have been around for a long time, the only thing that (usually) changes is the year date. This includes core popular pieces, and what some might consider the Mint’s bread and butter, like the Gold and Silver American Eagles.

1986 marks the very beginning for both the Eagle programs and it is no surprise that their presence in the coin world has been exponential, especially the American Gold Eagle. Next in the series for the top 100 Greatest United States Modern Coins, we will break down a popular, special edition of the American Gold Eagle that was produced in its anniversary year. With influence from coin dealers across the country, authors of Whitman Publishing’s fourth edition, Scott Schechter and Jeff Garrett, place this coin in the top ten.

#6 - 2006-W $50 American Gold Eagle, Reverse Proof

The Gold American Eagle design itself is perhaps the best representation of merging the old with the new. The obverse is a modified version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold coins that were minted from 1907-1933. The reverse was designed by modern sculptor Miley Busiek that features a family of eagles. Since its first issue in 1986, the $50 American Gold Issue has been the driving force behind the gold bullion program as it accounts for the majority of gold units sold from the United States Mint.

To celebrate the design and the coin itself, the Mint decided to offer the set in 2006 for its 20th Anniversary. The three-coin gold set encompassed a 2006-W Proof American Gold Eagle, 2006-W Uncirculated (Burnished) American Gold Eagle, and a 2006-W Reverse Proof American Gold Eagle. It was the first time ever the Mint offered or produced a Reverse Proof Gold Eagle. The set itself was sold for $2,610 and was limited to 10,000.

With the announcement of the Reverse Proof American Gold Eagle being placed in the three-coin set, it became obvious that the set would do well. The reverse proof would be the only of its kind in the American Gold Eagle series in addition to a limited mintage of only 10,000. This would make it the lowest minted below a 2001 Proof One Ounce American Gold Eagle that was limited to 24,555. The first-ever coin, exclusive to the three-coin set only, would quickly sell out and it is reported that the net mintage is 9,996. That number includes returns.

There have been a reported 3,016 graded in perfect PF70 by NGC while the most recent purchased at auction in that grade went for $5,040.00 in July of this year. The current price guide marks the coin at $3,750.00.

This coin has moved up one spot from #7 since its beginnings in the first edition of Whitman’s series (#6).