1986 $10 American Gold Eagle – First Year of Issue
The 1986 $10 American Gold Eagle marks the historic beginning of the United States Mint’s modern gold coin program. Introduced under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, this first-year issue set the standard for design and quality that continues today. Each coin is struck in 22-karat gold and bears the timeless images of Liberty and the American eagle that have come to symbolize the series.
Coin Highlights
- Year: 1986 (First Year of Issue)
- Denomination: $10 (Quarter Ounce Gold Eagle)
- Metal Content: 1/4 troy oz of gold
- Fineness: .9167 (22 karat gold)
- Diameter: Approx. 22 mm
- Minted by: United States Mint
- Finish: Brilliant Uncirculated
- Packaging: Protective capsule with Certificate of Authenticity
Design Details
Obverse: Lady Liberty strides forward with torch and olive branch, her image framed by rays of the sun — a faithful adaptation of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ 1907 masterpiece.
Reverse: The original family-of-eagles design by Miley Busiek, featuring a male eagle in flight carrying an olive branch above a nest of a female eagle and hatchlings, representing unity and strength.
Why Collectors Appreciate It
The 1986 $10 American Gold Eagle is prized as the first quarter-ounce issue of the series and a milestone in modern U.S. coinage. Its classic design, first-year status, and enduring symbolism make it an essential piece for any American Gold Eagle collection.
