2016 NGC MS-69 First Day of Issue 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle - 30th Anniversary Label signed by John Mercanti (From Mint Box #1)

2016 NGC MS-69 First Day of Issue 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle - 30th Anniversary Label signed by John Mercanti (From Mint Box #1)

The 2016 strike of American Gold Eagles marked the 30th Anniversary of the American Eagles Program.

John M. Mercanti was the 12th Chief Engraver of the US Mint. He authored a series of designs for US circulating, commemorative and bullion coins, most notably the original reverse of the Silver Eagles. He was also named in 2021 one of the most influential people in numismatics.

Today, SD Bullion offers 2016 1/2 oz American Gold Eagles from those purchased in the US Mint on day #1 of their issue, sourced directly from the very first issued sealed mint box straight to appraisal. They are certified by NGC as MS-69 coins and are sealed with a special 30th Anniversary Bald Eagle label hand-signed by John M. Mercanti.

Coin Highlights

• Evaluated, encapsulated, and graded as an MS-69 coin by NGC;
• Sealed with a special 30th Anniversary Bald Eagle label hand-signed by John M. Mercanti.
• Produced by the US Mint;
• Purchased on day #1 of issue;
• Taken directly from the original mint box #1;
• Contains 1/2 oz of actual gold content;
• With anti-counterfeiting reeded edges;
• Bears legal tender status and a USD 25 denomination;
• IRAs eligible;
• Saint-Gaudens’ Lady Liberty is on the obverse;
• Miley Busiek’s reverse design.

The Design

The obverse, created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, features Lady Liberty marching forward, carrying a torch and an olive branch. The march symbolizes the nation's evolution to progress, peace, and enlightenment. 

The Capitol Building is on the lower left, the word “LIBERTY” is engraved on the upper rim, and the coin’s mintage year is on the right.

The original reverse design, designed by Miley Busiek, showcases a family of Bald Eagles. A female eagle cherishes its hatchling under her wing while the male perches on their nest. 

It also features the engravings “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the mottos “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the coin’s description of weight, metal content, and face value reading “1/2 OZ. FINE GOLD—25 DOLLARS.”

An NGC MS-69 First Day of Issue Coin

Third-party services, like NGC - Numismatic Guaranty Company, work independently of sovereign mints, appraising and grading coins based on the Sheldon Grading Scale, which ranks coins based on their condition, from 70 to 1.

NGC calls “First Day of Issue” coins purchased on day #1 of production in the US Mint. MS stands for Mint State, referring to a coin made in the same format as a business circulation sample that has never been in circulation. Grade 69 is attributed to a coin whose original luster is preserved despite almost invisible minor contact marks or flaws.

2016 NGC MS-69 First Day of Issue American Gold Eagle - 30th Anniversary Label signed by John Mercanti (From Mint Box #1) at SD Bullion

Enrich your collection with Graded Gold Eagles.

Purchase 2016 US Gold Eagle NGC MS-69 First Day of Issue From the Original Mint Sealed Box #1 30th Anniversary Signed by John Mercanti, online from SD Bullion, 24/7.

If you prefer, you can reach out to us during regular business hours through our web chat feature or at 1(800)294-8732.