The 1986 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle Coin, marked with "MCMLXXXVI" for the year 1986, is notable for being the inaugural issue in the American Gold Eagle series. Minted by the United States Mint, it contains 1/4th of an ounce of gold with a purity of 22 karats, or .9167 fineness. The coin features the classic Saint-Gaudens design on the obverse, depicting Lady Liberty with a torch and olive branch, and the reverse, designed by Miley Busiek, shows a family of eagles. In 1986, the mintage for this 1/4 oz denomination was approximately 726,031 coins. This first-year issue is particularly valued by collectors and investors, prized for its historical significance, gold content, and artistic design, making it a distinguished piece in the American Gold Eagle series.
