American coinage has long featured iconic and inspirational images that represent the nation, its people, and its culture. Among the most famous and widely used images are those of Lady Liberty and the bald eagle. Inspired by the images of Justice and furthered by the erection of the Statue of Liberty, depictions of Lady Liberty grace countless coins.
The national emblem since 1792, it’s easier to find coins the bald eagle doesn’t appear on than to count those it does. Today, both are prominently displayed on the 2016 ¼ oz American Gold Eagle coin, available through JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships in a protective plastic flip or mint tubes of 40 coins.
- Contains actual gold content of ¼ troy oz.
- Face value of $10 (USD) is fully backed by the US government.
- Features the Lady Liberty design from Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
- Arrives in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
Augustus Saint-Gaudens is one of the most famous coin designers in American history. He was personally chosen by President Theodore Roosevelt to revive the designs of American gold coins in 1905. The first of his designs to appear on a coin was that of Lady Liberty, which appeared on the $20 Gold Double Eagle from 1907 to 1933.
Saint-Gaudens’ design featured Lady Liberty in full-length figure as she strode confidently forward from the nation’s capital. With the US Capitol Building visible at her feet in the design, her figure was outlined by the sun’s rays as she marched into an unknown future, her torch providing a guiding light and an olive branch in her hand to denote peace.
His original image has been updated three times in its history. The motto “In God We Trust” was added to his original design by an act of Congress. The 1907 coins featured only 46 stars, and the number was increased to 48 in 1912 to mark the addition of New Mexico and Arizona to the Union. For the American Gold Eagle, his design was updated to feature 50 stars, recognizing the addition of Hawaii and Alaska to the Union following World War II.
Saint-Gaudens’ design is featured on the obverse of all American Gold Eagle coins, while the reverse bears the image of a male bald eagle flying over its family nest. These coins are in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
If you have questions, please reach out to JM Bullion at 800-276-6508. You can also connect with us online through our live chat and email services. If you are looking for similar products, be sure to check out full collection of Uncirculated Gold Eagles.