The 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle is a fractional sovereign bullion coin struck by the United States Mint at West Point and composed of .9167 fine gold. Carrying a face value of ten dollars, it is part of the official American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin program authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. This particular example has been certified MS69 by Numismatic Guaranty Company, indicating a nearly perfect strike with only the slightest allowable imperfections under magnification.
We carry NGC-certified examples of this coin for buyers who want the additional assurance of third-party grading combined with the weight and purity backing of the United States Mint. An MS69 designation in a sealed NGC holder provides both authentication and a standardized condition assessment that is widely recognized within the numismatic and bullion markets.
The Gold American Eagle program launched in 1986 following congressional authorization, establishing the United States Mint as a producer of official gold bullion coinage for the first time in decades. The coins were designed to give American buyers
…The 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle is a fractional sovereign bullion coin struck by the United States Mint at West Point and composed of .9167 fine gold. Carrying a face value of ten dollars, it is part of the official American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin program authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. This particular example has been certified MS69 by Numismatic Guaranty Company, indicating a nearly perfect strike with only the slightest allowable imperfections under magnification.
We carry NGC-certified examples of this coin for buyers who want the additional assurance of third-party grading combined with the weight and purity backing of the United States Mint. An MS69 designation in a sealed NGC holder provides both authentication and a standardized condition assessment that is widely recognized within the numismatic and bullion markets.
The Gold American Eagle program launched in 1986 following congressional authorization, establishing the United States Mint as a producer of official gold bullion coinage for the first time in decades. The coins were designed to give American buyers and global markets a government-issued gold product with clearly defined specifications and legal tender status. West Point became the primary striking facility for gold Eagles, and coins produced there carry the "W" mint mark, though it does not appear on the coin's face.
The 1996 issue is notable for its relatively modest mintage figures, particularly within the fractional sizes. That year, the United States Mint struck 60,318 quarter-ounce gold Eagles, making the 1996 date among the lower-production years in the series during the 1990s. Lower original mintage combined with the survival rate of high-grade certified examples like MS69 gives the 1996 issue a distinct position within the American Eagle series.
The obverse of the Gold American Eagle features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic portrayal of Liberty, adapted from his celebrated 1907 double eagle design. Liberty strides forward holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, with the Capitol building visible in the background and rays of sunlight fanning outward beneath her. The composition conveys confidence and forward motion, and it remains one of the most recognized images in American coinage.
The reverse was designed by sculptor Miley Busiek and depicts a family of bald eagles, with a male eagle carrying an olive branch descending toward a nest sheltering a female and hatchlings. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "1/4 OZ. FINE GOLD $10" frame the imagery, along with "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The design gives the coin a distinct national character that sets it apart from purely utilitarian bullion strikes.
The NGC MS69 holder encapsulates the coin in a tamper-evident plastic slab, preserving its surfaces and ensuring the grade is permanently documented. At the MS69 level, the coin exhibits full mint luster, sharp striking detail, and surfaces that are essentially free of blemishes to the naked eye.
At a quarter troy ounce, this Gold American Eagle represents a meaningful entry point into government-issued gold without requiring the outlay of a full-ounce coin. The fractional format appeals to buyers who want exposure to gold in a form that carries the same design, legal tender backing, and purity as its larger counterparts. It also makes the coin easier to handle as a discrete unit within a broader holding.
For buyers focused on flexibility, fractional gold coins can make it easier to manage a collection or holding without the need to liquidate larger pieces. The 1996 quarter-ounce in MS69 occupies an interesting position in that regard, combining the practical utility of a fractional gold coin with the documented condition and authentication of a certified numismatic piece.
The United States Mint produces Gold American Eagles to strict specifications, with each coin containing exactly one-quarter troy ounce of gold at .9167 fineness, alloyed with copper and silver for durability. The legal guarantee of weight, content, and purity is backed by the federal government, which removes any ambiguity about the metal content of every coin in the series.
This example carries an NGC MS69 grade, which means it has been independently authenticated, weighed, and graded by Numismatic Guaranty Company and sealed in a tamper-evident holder. We are an authorized NGC dealer, which means our certified products are genuine, properly documented, and handled with the integrity that the NGC certification demands. The slab itself provides a layer of protection and traceability that raw coins cannot offer.
MS69 is among the highest grades NGC assigns to modern coins, signifying that the piece is nearly perfect with only the most minor, individually acceptable imperfections visible under five-power magnification. The coin's luster, strike sharpness, and surface quality are all exceptional at this grade level. For a 1996-dated coin, achieving MS69 reflects both strong original production quality and careful preservation since leaving the mint.
As a certified coin, this piece ships in its original NGC holder with the grade, certification number, and coin description displayed on the label. The holder protects the coin from handling damage and environmental exposure. Individual certified coins are packaged securely for shipment to ensure the slab and its contents arrive in the same condition they left us.
Base pricing for any fractional Gold American Eagle starts with the current spot price of gold, adjusted for the coin's quarter-ounce weight. From there, the premium reflects production costs, the face value backing of the United States government, and the overall demand profile of the American Eagle series. Certified examples carry an additional premium that accounts for third-party grading, the value of a documented condition assessment, and the relatively limited supply of high-grade examples from lower-mintage years.
The 1996 date specifically carries a modest numismatic premium above standard bullion-grade quarter-ounce Eagles because of its lower original mintage. In MS69, that premium is more pronounced given how few examples from this year achieved near-perfect grades in certified holders. Our pricing reflects these market realities in real time, with transparency around both the acquisition cost and the bid price so buyers can evaluate the full picture before committing.
Gold American Eagles are among the most liquid gold coins traded globally, recognized by dealers, auction houses, and private buyers throughout the United States and internationally. The quarter-ounce size is a standard fractional denomination with well-established market recognition, which supports efficient resale regardless of where a buyer eventually decides to sell. Certified examples with NGC grades have additional documentation that can support the price conversation in secondary market transactions.
We operate a two-way market, meaning customers can sell back to us using our competitive wholesale buyback pricing. We believe liquidity is a factor worth considering before the purchase is made, not only afterward. Our platform makes it straightforward to evaluate both sides of the transaction so that buyers understand the full cost of ownership from the start.
The 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle in NGC MS69 combines several characteristics that distinguish it from standard bullion-grade fractional coins. The 1996 date carries a relatively low mintage within the American Eagle series, and NGC MS69-certified examples represent a small fraction of that already limited original production. For buyers who want a fractional gold coin with documented condition and genuine scarcity, this piece fits that profile more precisely than a generic bullion coin would.
The NGC holder adds a layer of accountability and market communication that a raw coin cannot. When it comes time to sell or trade, the grade and certification number remove ambiguity and can simplify the transaction. For buyers who want the substance of government-issued gold alongside the credibility of professional grading, this is a combination that stands on its own merits.
We have been a trusted precious metals dealer since 2010, and our approach has always centered on transparency, fair pricing, and treating customers as informed buyers rather than targets for high-pressure sales tactics. Our platform is designed to give buyers the pricing context, market data, and product detail needed to make confident decisions. We hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and maintain active memberships in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association.
As an authorized NGC dealer, we stand behind the authenticity and certification integrity of every graded coin we sell. Our two-way market model means we are invested in being a long-term resource, not just a one-time seller. Every product we carry is verified before it reaches a customer, and our customer service team is available to answer specific questions about the products, the grading, or the selling process. The experience is built around trust and clarity, from the first click to the final transaction.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing across a wide range of precious metals products, including certified coins like this 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle. Rather than relying on indicative retail prices, Pro members see pricing that reflects actual wholesale market conditions in real time, along with proprietary analytics covering premiums, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity characteristics specific to individual products.
For a certified coin with numismatic characteristics layered on top of its bullion value, having access to transparent market data is especially useful. Pro members can track how the premium on a product like this behaves over time relative to spot, evaluate spread tightness, and view their holdings using live wholesale bid pricing for a more realistic picture of current portfolio value. The tools are designed to reduce the information gap that has traditionally put retail buyers at a disadvantage.
We support a broad range of payment methods to make the buying process straightforward and secure. Customers can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, as well as PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, and paper check. We also accept cryptocurrency payments through BitPay for buyers who prefer that option.
Every transaction is handled with security and reliability as the baseline expectation. Whether you are making a single purchase or managing an ongoing account, the payment experience is designed to be as frictionless as the rest of the platform.
Volume Discount Pricing Orders paid by debit card, credit card, and PayPal are an item's full list price and receive no discount. Orders paid by cryptocurrency receive a 3% discount from an item's full list price. Orders paid by eCheck (ACH), paper check, and bank wire receive a 4% discount from an item's full list price.
| Quantity | (e)Check/Wire | Crypto | CC/PayPal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - 9 | $1,973.42 | $2,014.53 | $2,055.64 |
| 10 - 19 | $1,966.92 | $2,007.90 | $2,048.88 |
| 20 - 39 | $1,960.45 | $2,001.29 | $2,042.14 |
| 40+ | $1,953.98 | $1,994.68 | $2,035.39 |
1+
|
$1,926.93 | $1,967.07 | $2,007.22 |
Product ID: BST-0008698F07
| Year | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Precious Metal Type | Gold |
| Bullion Coin Type | Eagle |
| Format | Coin |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Brand/Mint | U.S. Mint |
| Mint Mark | W - West Point |
| Purity | 0.9167 |
| Weight | 0.25 oz |
| Thickness (mm) | 1.78 mm |
| Diameter (mm) | 22 mm |
| Grade | MS69 |
| Grading Service | NGC |
The 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle is a fractional sovereign bullion coin struck by the United States Mint at West Point and composed of .9167 fine gold. Carrying a face value of ten dollars, it is part of the official American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin program authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. This particular example has been certified MS69 by Numismatic Guaranty Company, indicating a nearly perfect strike with only the slightest allowable imperfections under magnification.
We carry NGC-certified examples of this coin for buyers who want the additional assurance of third-party grading combined with the weight and purity backing of the United States Mint. An MS69 designation in a sealed NGC holder provides both authentication and a standardized condition assessment that is widely recognized within the numismatic and bullion markets.
The Gold American Eagle program launched in 1986 following congressional authorization, establishing the United States Mint as a producer of official gold bullion coinage for the first time in decades. The coins were designed to give American buyers
…The 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle is a fractional sovereign bullion coin struck by the United States Mint at West Point and composed of .9167 fine gold. Carrying a face value of ten dollars, it is part of the official American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin program authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. This particular example has been certified MS69 by Numismatic Guaranty Company, indicating a nearly perfect strike with only the slightest allowable imperfections under magnification.
We carry NGC-certified examples of this coin for buyers who want the additional assurance of third-party grading combined with the weight and purity backing of the United States Mint. An MS69 designation in a sealed NGC holder provides both authentication and a standardized condition assessment that is widely recognized within the numismatic and bullion markets.
The Gold American Eagle program launched in 1986 following congressional authorization, establishing the United States Mint as a producer of official gold bullion coinage for the first time in decades. The coins were designed to give American buyers and global markets a government-issued gold product with clearly defined specifications and legal tender status. West Point became the primary striking facility for gold Eagles, and coins produced there carry the "W" mint mark, though it does not appear on the coin's face.
The 1996 issue is notable for its relatively modest mintage figures, particularly within the fractional sizes. That year, the United States Mint struck 60,318 quarter-ounce gold Eagles, making the 1996 date among the lower-production years in the series during the 1990s. Lower original mintage combined with the survival rate of high-grade certified examples like MS69 gives the 1996 issue a distinct position within the American Eagle series.
The obverse of the Gold American Eagle features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic portrayal of Liberty, adapted from his celebrated 1907 double eagle design. Liberty strides forward holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, with the Capitol building visible in the background and rays of sunlight fanning outward beneath her. The composition conveys confidence and forward motion, and it remains one of the most recognized images in American coinage.
The reverse was designed by sculptor Miley Busiek and depicts a family of bald eagles, with a male eagle carrying an olive branch descending toward a nest sheltering a female and hatchlings. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "1/4 OZ. FINE GOLD $10" frame the imagery, along with "E PLURIBUS UNUM." The design gives the coin a distinct national character that sets it apart from purely utilitarian bullion strikes.
The NGC MS69 holder encapsulates the coin in a tamper-evident plastic slab, preserving its surfaces and ensuring the grade is permanently documented. At the MS69 level, the coin exhibits full mint luster, sharp striking detail, and surfaces that are essentially free of blemishes to the naked eye.
At a quarter troy ounce, this Gold American Eagle represents a meaningful entry point into government-issued gold without requiring the outlay of a full-ounce coin. The fractional format appeals to buyers who want exposure to gold in a form that carries the same design, legal tender backing, and purity as its larger counterparts. It also makes the coin easier to handle as a discrete unit within a broader holding.
For buyers focused on flexibility, fractional gold coins can make it easier to manage a collection or holding without the need to liquidate larger pieces. The 1996 quarter-ounce in MS69 occupies an interesting position in that regard, combining the practical utility of a fractional gold coin with the documented condition and authentication of a certified numismatic piece.
The United States Mint produces Gold American Eagles to strict specifications, with each coin containing exactly one-quarter troy ounce of gold at .9167 fineness, alloyed with copper and silver for durability. The legal guarantee of weight, content, and purity is backed by the federal government, which removes any ambiguity about the metal content of every coin in the series.
This example carries an NGC MS69 grade, which means it has been independently authenticated, weighed, and graded by Numismatic Guaranty Company and sealed in a tamper-evident holder. We are an authorized NGC dealer, which means our certified products are genuine, properly documented, and handled with the integrity that the NGC certification demands. The slab itself provides a layer of protection and traceability that raw coins cannot offer.
MS69 is among the highest grades NGC assigns to modern coins, signifying that the piece is nearly perfect with only the most minor, individually acceptable imperfections visible under five-power magnification. The coin's luster, strike sharpness, and surface quality are all exceptional at this grade level. For a 1996-dated coin, achieving MS69 reflects both strong original production quality and careful preservation since leaving the mint.
As a certified coin, this piece ships in its original NGC holder with the grade, certification number, and coin description displayed on the label. The holder protects the coin from handling damage and environmental exposure. Individual certified coins are packaged securely for shipment to ensure the slab and its contents arrive in the same condition they left us.
Base pricing for any fractional Gold American Eagle starts with the current spot price of gold, adjusted for the coin's quarter-ounce weight. From there, the premium reflects production costs, the face value backing of the United States government, and the overall demand profile of the American Eagle series. Certified examples carry an additional premium that accounts for third-party grading, the value of a documented condition assessment, and the relatively limited supply of high-grade examples from lower-mintage years.
The 1996 date specifically carries a modest numismatic premium above standard bullion-grade quarter-ounce Eagles because of its lower original mintage. In MS69, that premium is more pronounced given how few examples from this year achieved near-perfect grades in certified holders. Our pricing reflects these market realities in real time, with transparency around both the acquisition cost and the bid price so buyers can evaluate the full picture before committing.
Gold American Eagles are among the most liquid gold coins traded globally, recognized by dealers, auction houses, and private buyers throughout the United States and internationally. The quarter-ounce size is a standard fractional denomination with well-established market recognition, which supports efficient resale regardless of where a buyer eventually decides to sell. Certified examples with NGC grades have additional documentation that can support the price conversation in secondary market transactions.
We operate a two-way market, meaning customers can sell back to us using our competitive wholesale buyback pricing. We believe liquidity is a factor worth considering before the purchase is made, not only afterward. Our platform makes it straightforward to evaluate both sides of the transaction so that buyers understand the full cost of ownership from the start.
The 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle in NGC MS69 combines several characteristics that distinguish it from standard bullion-grade fractional coins. The 1996 date carries a relatively low mintage within the American Eagle series, and NGC MS69-certified examples represent a small fraction of that already limited original production. For buyers who want a fractional gold coin with documented condition and genuine scarcity, this piece fits that profile more precisely than a generic bullion coin would.
The NGC holder adds a layer of accountability and market communication that a raw coin cannot. When it comes time to sell or trade, the grade and certification number remove ambiguity and can simplify the transaction. For buyers who want the substance of government-issued gold alongside the credibility of professional grading, this is a combination that stands on its own merits.
We have been a trusted precious metals dealer since 2010, and our approach has always centered on transparency, fair pricing, and treating customers as informed buyers rather than targets for high-pressure sales tactics. Our platform is designed to give buyers the pricing context, market data, and product detail needed to make confident decisions. We hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and maintain active memberships in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association.
As an authorized NGC dealer, we stand behind the authenticity and certification integrity of every graded coin we sell. Our two-way market model means we are invested in being a long-term resource, not just a one-time seller. Every product we carry is verified before it reaches a customer, and our customer service team is available to answer specific questions about the products, the grading, or the selling process. The experience is built around trust and clarity, from the first click to the final transaction.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing across a wide range of precious metals products, including certified coins like this 1996 quarter-ounce Gold American Eagle. Rather than relying on indicative retail prices, Pro members see pricing that reflects actual wholesale market conditions in real time, along with proprietary analytics covering premiums, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity characteristics specific to individual products.
For a certified coin with numismatic characteristics layered on top of its bullion value, having access to transparent market data is especially useful. Pro members can track how the premium on a product like this behaves over time relative to spot, evaluate spread tightness, and view their holdings using live wholesale bid pricing for a more realistic picture of current portfolio value. The tools are designed to reduce the information gap that has traditionally put retail buyers at a disadvantage.
We support a broad range of payment methods to make the buying process straightforward and secure. Customers can pay using Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover, as well as PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, and paper check. We also accept cryptocurrency payments through BitPay for buyers who prefer that option.
Every transaction is handled with security and reliability as the baseline expectation. Whether you are making a single purchase or managing an ongoing account, the payment experience is designed to be as frictionless as the rest of the platform.