The 1996-W 1/4 oz Proof Gold Eagle is a 22-karat fractional gold coin struck at the West Point Mint, carrying a face value of ten dollars as official United States legal tender. It contains 0.25 troy ounces of gold and was produced as part of the annual American Gold Eagle proof series, which the United States Mint has offered to collectors since 1986. This particular date represents one of the lower-mintage years in the proof series and is recognized among collectors for its relative scarcity compared to surrounding years. We carry this coin complete with its original government-issued box and Certificate of Authenticity, which is significant for its collector integrity and long-term documentation.
The American Gold Eagle series was authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, which directed the United States Mint to produce gold coins using gold sourced domestically from American mines. West Point was designated as the primary striking facility for proof versions, and its "W" mintmark has appeared on proof Gold Eagles since the inception of the program. The series was designed to give American collect
…The 1996-W 1/4 oz Proof Gold Eagle is a 22-karat fractional gold coin struck at the West Point Mint, carrying a face value of ten dollars as official United States legal tender. It contains 0.25 troy ounces of gold and was produced as part of the annual American Gold Eagle proof series, which the United States Mint has offered to collectors since 1986. This particular date represents one of the lower-mintage years in the proof series and is recognized among collectors for its relative scarcity compared to surrounding years. We carry this coin complete with its original government-issued box and Certificate of Authenticity, which is significant for its collector integrity and long-term documentation.
The American Gold Eagle series was authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, which directed the United States Mint to produce gold coins using gold sourced domestically from American mines. West Point was designated as the primary striking facility for proof versions, and its "W" mintmark has appeared on proof Gold Eagles since the inception of the program. The series was designed to give American collectors and buyers access to a government-issued gold coin that carried the full backing of the United States Treasury.
The 1996 proof issue holds a notable place within the series due to its mintage figures. That year, the 1/4 oz denomination saw a certified mintage of roughly 38,219 pieces, making it among the lower-production years in the proof quarter-ounce format. While not considered a key date in the strict numismatic sense, the 1996 issue consistently draws interest from collectors who pursue complete date sets of the proof series.
The obverse carries Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic interpretation of Lady Liberty, adapted from his original 1907 design for the double eagle gold coin. Liberty is depicted striding forward with a torch raised in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, set against a backdrop of rays emanating from the sun. The design conveys confidence and national identity, and its origins in one of the most celebrated compositions in American coin history give it a gravitas that distinguishes it from many other modern bullion issues.
The reverse features Miley Busiek's family of eagles design, depicting a male eagle carrying an olive branch as he returns to a nest containing a female eagle and hatchlings. The coin's denomination, weight, gold content, and purity are inscribed along the reverse field. Proof versions are struck multiple times with specially prepared dies on polished planchets, producing the deep cameo contrast between frosted relief elements and mirror-like fields that defines proof coinage. The finish on the 1996-W proof is sharp and reflective, representative of West Point's exacting production standards.
At 0.25 troy ounces, this coin occupies a practical middle ground between the more entry-level tenth-ounce format and the full one-ounce coin. The fractional size allows collectors to acquire a proof Gold Eagle at a lower absolute price point while still holding a meaningful quantity of gold in a government-issued form. For those building a complete proof set across all four denominations, the quarter-ounce is a necessary and naturally complementary piece.
The smaller format also suits collectors who prioritize the numismatic and aesthetic value of the proof strike rather than maximizing gold weight per transaction. The 1996-W issue in particular appeals to date-set collectors, where the goal is completeness across years rather than bulk accumulation of metal content.
Proof Gold Eagles struck at West Point are among the most rigorously produced coins in the United States Mint's output. Each coin is struck to exacting specifications, with gold content, weight, and purity subject to strict tolerances enforced at the federal level. The 22-karat composition, consisting of 91.67% gold alloyed with silver and copper for durability, is consistent across the entire American Gold Eagle series and well established in the marketplace.
The inclusion of the original box and Certificate of Authenticity provides an additional layer of documentation that supports both authenticity and collector value. As authorized dealers for both PCGS and NGC, we are well positioned to assist customers who wish to have their coins professionally graded or encapsulated, which can provide independent third-party verification of both condition and authenticity for coins of this caliber.
This coin is offered in proof condition, which in the context of United States Mint collector products refers to a coin struck specifically for collectors rather than circulation, using polished dies and specially prepared blanks. Proof coins are not graded on the same scale as circulated coins; the designation reflects the production method and the coin's intended purpose as a display and collector piece. The deep cameo contrast visible on well-preserved examples is a direct result of the multi-strike proof process used at West Point.
This listing includes the original United States Mint presentation box and Certificate of Authenticity, which is the complete packaging as originally issued. The box provides protective housing designed to preserve the coin's surfaces without the need for additional aftermarket holders. Buyers receiving this item should handle the coin by its edges or within its original packaging to preserve the proof surfaces and maintain the integrity of the set as originally issued.
Pricing for this coin reflects both the underlying gold spot price and the numismatic premium associated with its proof status, its 1996 date, and the presence of original government packaging. The spot component tracks the value of 0.25 troy ounces of gold in real time, while the collector premium is influenced by mintage figures, date desirability, and the availability of original box and COA sets in the secondary market. These two components move somewhat independently, which means the coin's total price can shift based on both metal market conditions and collector demand.
We display transparent pricing that reflects current market conditions. The bid/ask spread visible on our product page gives buyers a clear picture of both the acquisition cost and the current resale context, which is particularly useful for a numismatic product where collector premiums can be more variable than on generic bullion items.
The American Gold Eagle is among the most widely recognized gold coin series globally, and proof issues carry additional demand from the numismatic collector market. The 1996-W quarter-ounce proof, particularly in its original box with COA, trades through a range of channels including numismatic dealers, auction houses, and precious metals platforms. The presence of original packaging is a meaningful factor in resale, as complete sets typically command more interest than coins sold without documentation.
We operate a two-way market, meaning we actively provide buyback pricing on products including collector-grade gold issues. Understanding the resale environment before purchasing is something we emphasize as part of our overall approach to transparency, and our platform is designed to give buyers that context upfront rather than only at the point of sale.
This coin appeals to two distinct but sometimes overlapping audiences: collectors building a complete proof Gold Eagle date set and buyers who want a government-issued gold coin with added numismatic character beyond a standard bullion piece. The 1996 date carries a collector premium supported by its mintage figures, and acquiring the coin with its original box and COA preserves the integrity of the complete set in a way that enhances both its display value and its long-term collectibility.
The combination of West Point proof production standards, the Saint-Gaudens obverse design, and the documentation of original government packaging makes this a more complete and defensible purchase than a loose or damaged example. For collectors with an eye on completeness and condition, the original packaging is not a minor detail but a meaningful differentiator.
We are a San Diego-based precious metals dealer with over a decade of experience serving buyers across the country. Our platform is built around pricing transparency and a two-way market structure that treats both the buy and sell sides of a transaction as equally important. We hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, maintain active memberships in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association, and operate as an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC.
For a coin like the 1996-W proof Gold Eagle, where condition, documentation, and authenticity carry real weight, those credentials matter. We verify every product before it reaches a customer, and our team has the numismatic background to assess collector-grade material accurately. Our goal is not a single transaction but a long-term relationship built on straightforward information, accurate product representation, and pricing that reflects real market conditions rather than inflated retail markups.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing across our product catalog, including collectible and proof issues where premiums can fluctuate significantly based on market conditions and collector demand. For a coin like the 1996-W proof, where the numismatic premium above spot can vary meaningfully over time, having real-time visibility into wholesale pricing provides a more accurate picture of what the market is actually doing rather than relying on static retail figures.
Pro members also benefit from real-time portfolio valuation based on current wholesale bid pricing, along with proprietary analytics and product research tools that allow for direct comparison of premiums, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity characteristics across similar products. These tools are particularly useful for collectors and buyers who want to evaluate whether current pricing reflects reasonable market conditions or elevated premiums before committing to a purchase.
We support a broad range of payment methods to accommodate the preferences of every buyer. Accepted options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each method is handled through a secure transaction environment designed to protect buyer information and support a smooth purchasing experience from checkout through fulfillment.
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+ | $1,121.97 | $1,145.34 | $1,168.71 |
1+
|
$1,111.97 | $1,135.13 | $1,158.30 |
Product ID: BST-00275056D3
| 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) | 1.83 mm |
| Diameter (mm) | 22 mm |
| Grade | Proof |
| Finish | Proof |
The 1996-W 1/4 oz Proof Gold Eagle is a 22-karat fractional gold coin struck at the West Point Mint, carrying a face value of ten dollars as official United States legal tender. It contains 0.25 troy ounces of gold and was produced as part of the annual American Gold Eagle proof series, which the United States Mint has offered to collectors since 1986. This particular date represents one of the lower-mintage years in the proof series and is recognized among collectors for its relative scarcity compared to surrounding years. We carry this coin complete with its original government-issued box and Certificate of Authenticity, which is significant for its collector integrity and long-term documentation.
The American Gold Eagle series was authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, which directed the United States Mint to produce gold coins using gold sourced domestically from American mines. West Point was designated as the primary striking facility for proof versions, and its "W" mintmark has appeared on proof Gold Eagles since the inception of the program. The series was designed to give American collect
…The 1996-W 1/4 oz Proof Gold Eagle is a 22-karat fractional gold coin struck at the West Point Mint, carrying a face value of ten dollars as official United States legal tender. It contains 0.25 troy ounces of gold and was produced as part of the annual American Gold Eagle proof series, which the United States Mint has offered to collectors since 1986. This particular date represents one of the lower-mintage years in the proof series and is recognized among collectors for its relative scarcity compared to surrounding years. We carry this coin complete with its original government-issued box and Certificate of Authenticity, which is significant for its collector integrity and long-term documentation.
The American Gold Eagle series was authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, which directed the United States Mint to produce gold coins using gold sourced domestically from American mines. West Point was designated as the primary striking facility for proof versions, and its "W" mintmark has appeared on proof Gold Eagles since the inception of the program. The series was designed to give American collectors and buyers access to a government-issued gold coin that carried the full backing of the United States Treasury.
The 1996 proof issue holds a notable place within the series due to its mintage figures. That year, the 1/4 oz denomination saw a certified mintage of roughly 38,219 pieces, making it among the lower-production years in the proof quarter-ounce format. While not considered a key date in the strict numismatic sense, the 1996 issue consistently draws interest from collectors who pursue complete date sets of the proof series.
The obverse carries Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic interpretation of Lady Liberty, adapted from his original 1907 design for the double eagle gold coin. Liberty is depicted striding forward with a torch raised in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, set against a backdrop of rays emanating from the sun. The design conveys confidence and national identity, and its origins in one of the most celebrated compositions in American coin history give it a gravitas that distinguishes it from many other modern bullion issues.
The reverse features Miley Busiek's family of eagles design, depicting a male eagle carrying an olive branch as he returns to a nest containing a female eagle and hatchlings. The coin's denomination, weight, gold content, and purity are inscribed along the reverse field. Proof versions are struck multiple times with specially prepared dies on polished planchets, producing the deep cameo contrast between frosted relief elements and mirror-like fields that defines proof coinage. The finish on the 1996-W proof is sharp and reflective, representative of West Point's exacting production standards.
At 0.25 troy ounces, this coin occupies a practical middle ground between the more entry-level tenth-ounce format and the full one-ounce coin. The fractional size allows collectors to acquire a proof Gold Eagle at a lower absolute price point while still holding a meaningful quantity of gold in a government-issued form. For those building a complete proof set across all four denominations, the quarter-ounce is a necessary and naturally complementary piece.
The smaller format also suits collectors who prioritize the numismatic and aesthetic value of the proof strike rather than maximizing gold weight per transaction. The 1996-W issue in particular appeals to date-set collectors, where the goal is completeness across years rather than bulk accumulation of metal content.
Proof Gold Eagles struck at West Point are among the most rigorously produced coins in the United States Mint's output. Each coin is struck to exacting specifications, with gold content, weight, and purity subject to strict tolerances enforced at the federal level. The 22-karat composition, consisting of 91.67% gold alloyed with silver and copper for durability, is consistent across the entire American Gold Eagle series and well established in the marketplace.
The inclusion of the original box and Certificate of Authenticity provides an additional layer of documentation that supports both authenticity and collector value. As authorized dealers for both PCGS and NGC, we are well positioned to assist customers who wish to have their coins professionally graded or encapsulated, which can provide independent third-party verification of both condition and authenticity for coins of this caliber.
This coin is offered in proof condition, which in the context of United States Mint collector products refers to a coin struck specifically for collectors rather than circulation, using polished dies and specially prepared blanks. Proof coins are not graded on the same scale as circulated coins; the designation reflects the production method and the coin's intended purpose as a display and collector piece. The deep cameo contrast visible on well-preserved examples is a direct result of the multi-strike proof process used at West Point.
This listing includes the original United States Mint presentation box and Certificate of Authenticity, which is the complete packaging as originally issued. The box provides protective housing designed to preserve the coin's surfaces without the need for additional aftermarket holders. Buyers receiving this item should handle the coin by its edges or within its original packaging to preserve the proof surfaces and maintain the integrity of the set as originally issued.
Pricing for this coin reflects both the underlying gold spot price and the numismatic premium associated with its proof status, its 1996 date, and the presence of original government packaging. The spot component tracks the value of 0.25 troy ounces of gold in real time, while the collector premium is influenced by mintage figures, date desirability, and the availability of original box and COA sets in the secondary market. These two components move somewhat independently, which means the coin's total price can shift based on both metal market conditions and collector demand.
We display transparent pricing that reflects current market conditions. The bid/ask spread visible on our product page gives buyers a clear picture of both the acquisition cost and the current resale context, which is particularly useful for a numismatic product where collector premiums can be more variable than on generic bullion items.
The American Gold Eagle is among the most widely recognized gold coin series globally, and proof issues carry additional demand from the numismatic collector market. The 1996-W quarter-ounce proof, particularly in its original box with COA, trades through a range of channels including numismatic dealers, auction houses, and precious metals platforms. The presence of original packaging is a meaningful factor in resale, as complete sets typically command more interest than coins sold without documentation.
We operate a two-way market, meaning we actively provide buyback pricing on products including collector-grade gold issues. Understanding the resale environment before purchasing is something we emphasize as part of our overall approach to transparency, and our platform is designed to give buyers that context upfront rather than only at the point of sale.
This coin appeals to two distinct but sometimes overlapping audiences: collectors building a complete proof Gold Eagle date set and buyers who want a government-issued gold coin with added numismatic character beyond a standard bullion piece. The 1996 date carries a collector premium supported by its mintage figures, and acquiring the coin with its original box and COA preserves the integrity of the complete set in a way that enhances both its display value and its long-term collectibility.
The combination of West Point proof production standards, the Saint-Gaudens obverse design, and the documentation of original government packaging makes this a more complete and defensible purchase than a loose or damaged example. For collectors with an eye on completeness and condition, the original packaging is not a minor detail but a meaningful differentiator.
We are a San Diego-based precious metals dealer with over a decade of experience serving buyers across the country. Our platform is built around pricing transparency and a two-way market structure that treats both the buy and sell sides of a transaction as equally important. We hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau, maintain active memberships in the American Numismatic Association and the National Coin and Bullion Association, and operate as an authorized dealer for both PCGS and NGC.
For a coin like the 1996-W proof Gold Eagle, where condition, documentation, and authenticity carry real weight, those credentials matter. We verify every product before it reaches a customer, and our team has the numismatic background to assess collector-grade material accurately. Our goal is not a single transaction but a long-term relationship built on straightforward information, accurate product representation, and pricing that reflects real market conditions rather than inflated retail markups.
Bullion Standard Pro gives members access to live, executable wholesale bid and ask pricing across our product catalog, including collectible and proof issues where premiums can fluctuate significantly based on market conditions and collector demand. For a coin like the 1996-W proof, where the numismatic premium above spot can vary meaningfully over time, having real-time visibility into wholesale pricing provides a more accurate picture of what the market is actually doing rather than relying on static retail figures.
Pro members also benefit from real-time portfolio valuation based on current wholesale bid pricing, along with proprietary analytics and product research tools that allow for direct comparison of premiums, bid/ask spreads, and liquidity characteristics across similar products. These tools are particularly useful for collectors and buyers who want to evaluate whether current pricing reflects reasonable market conditions or elevated premiums before committing to a purchase.
We support a broad range of payment methods to accommodate the preferences of every buyer. Accepted options include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, bank-connected payments through Plaid, wire transfer, paper check, and cryptocurrency via BitPay. Each method is handled through a secure transaction environment designed to protect buyer information and support a smooth purchasing experience from checkout through fulfillment.
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