Gold eagle proof were first minted in 1987. The United States Mint has annually minted the American Eagle Gold Proof since. The American Eagle Gold Proof is a collection series of four 22-karat coins. Each of the 4 sized collector gold proof coins bear the W mint-mark to indicate where they were minted.
West Point is the facility responsible for the entire family of American Eagle proof and uncirculated coins in gold, silver, and platinum.
The coin bears the distinctive designs of Augustus Saint-Gaudens rendition of Liberty, recognized as one of the worlds most beautiful designs, and sculptor Miley Busiek's equally majestic golden eagle scene meant to symbolize family tradition and unity.
The obverse or heads side of the proof coin shows Liberty with flowing hair and holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The reverse or tails side of the coin has an image of a male eagle carrying an olive branch and flying above a nest with a female eagle and her hatchlings.
As is traditional, the proof coins have production limits in place. The one-ounce, half-ounce, quarter-ounce and tenth-ounce coins may be purchased separately or together in a four-coin set.
The price of collector proof coins will always exceed their bullion value. However, new bullion coin prices can move up or down based on their content. In fact, the U.S. Mint has suspended bullion coin sales several times to readjust their prices due to changing gold and platinum prices.
