Collecting American Proof Gold Eagles

May 22, 2009 · Posted in Collecting Proof Gold Eagles · Comment

The American Gold Eagle Coin was the first gold bullion coin to be issued by the United States Mint. American Gold Eagles a design by the famous sculptor Augustus Saint Guadens'. Beginning production in 1986, they were made available in the standard bullion version and also a collector's proof version. Gold Eagles have been issued in collectible proof versions since the beginning of the series. In it's first year of production, a one ounce proof gold eagle was produced, while in the following year, a one-half ounce proof coin version was made available.

Due to the popularity of the one-ounce and half-ounce versions, beginning in 1988 the U.S. Mint made the coins available in all four denominations: one-ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce. Between 2006 and 2008, special collectible uncirculated versions of the coin were also issued in one of each denomination.
Sets containing all four denominations are a popular way of purchasing these proof editions, while many sellers also sell the coins individually.

American Gold Eagle Proof Coins undergo a unique minting process using specialized dies. Lustrous coin blanks are fed individually into the coin press at the United States Mint where they are struck multiple times to guarantee a detailed coin image, which appears softly frosted over a mirror-like background.

Many Gold Eagle Proof Coins come shipped in a special presentation case with an official United States Mint Certificate of Authority. This certificate is the U.S. Mint's guarantee of each coin's gold content, weight, and purity.

Proof Gold Eagles are highly-prized by both collectors and investors and make a wonderful addition to any diversified portfolio.