In addition to the bullion coins, the United States Mint produces Proof Gold Eagle coins for collectors. These coins are typically produced with a limited mintage through a specialized production process. The proof coins carry premiums above the prices of their bullion counterparts.
Producing proof coins involves a special process during which coins are struck multiple times with special dies. This produces coins with sharp details and a cameo like appearance. The raised design elements appear frosted, while the background elements are mirrored. This gives the appearance of the design floating on liquid like fields.
Proof American Gold Eagle Coins are sold directly by the United States Mint to collectors, priced at a higher premium to each coins gold value, as compared to the prices of regular bullion coins. Proof Gold Eagles are sealed in protective capsules and placed within presentation boxes with an official certificate of authenticity from the United States Mint.
In 1986, the US Mint only produced one ounce Proof Gold Eagles. In the following year, they also produced a one-half ounce proof coin, and sold a Two Coin Set. The following year, they would add the remaining fractional weights to the product line up, and sell a packaged Four Coin Set. Each year from 1988 to 2008, the US Mint sold the four individual options and the Four Coin Set. In 2009, the offerings were canceled, as the US Mint diverted all incoming gold blanks to the production of bullion coins.
All one ounce Proof Gold Eagles have been produced at the West Point Mint. The fractional weight Proof Gold Eagles were initially produced at the Philadelphia Mint. This took place from 1987 to 1993. After that date, the fractional weight proof coins were struck at the West Point facility.
Proof Gold Eagles For Sale
