Certified Proof Gold American Eagles

The Proof American Gold Eagle

Since the Proof American Gold Eagles are not minted, at the same rate as the brilliant uncirculated coins, their value is higher and is the ideal investment not just for collectors, but investors as well. The proof finish is described as mirror-like and although it contains the same alloy as the brilliant uncirculated version, making it a more durable coin, the proof finish is more sensitive to contact, resulting in an easily scratched coin. Numismatists prefer keeping their Proof Gold Eagles in their original packaging for protection.

Design History of the American Gold Eagle

Reimagined by sculptor, Miley Busiek, the design of the US American Gold Eagle features the most iconic US coin design. The obverse follows the artistic design created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, for the $20 Gold Double Eagles, issued from 1907-1933. Saint-Gaudens was exclusively picked by president, Theodore Roosevelt, to design an image that would be a part of US history, while also reinvigorating US gold coinage. The Lady Liberty design has been used as a symbol of patriotism since the US began minting their own currency and her message of courage and power still reigns true.

The design features a fierce Lady Liberty carrying an olive branch in one hand and an ignited torch in the other. The olive branch represents the country's desire for ultimate peace. The torch is the symbol of enlightenment and has been used, in the United States, as a means to freedom and liberty; enlightenment births freedom. Lady Liberty is stressed in a loose and flowing robe, marching with the US Capital building behind her. Next to her is the coin's date of mintage; from 1986-1991, the coin's date was cast in Roman Numerals, instead of the familiar Arabic Numeral System. Along the rim are 50 stars, each representing a US state, a design that has been used on other emblematic US coins, such as the Morgan Silver Dollar. The original design featured only 46 stars, since that was how many states existed from 1907-1933.

The reverse displays the emblem of the nation, hand-picked by the Founding Fathers. The bald eagle is the king of the birds of prey and represents fierce beauty, strength, and independence. There are 3 bald eagles represented on the reverse design of the American Gold Eagle. The eagles have made a nest of olive branches and have started reproducing, with an infantile eagle represented under its mother. The coin's weight, purity, and monetary value are written underneath the eagle family.

Certified Proof American Gold Eagles

Certified coins are placed in airtight, official holders, marked by the grade they received and the name of the certifying grading agency. Since Certified coins' condition is more specified than a Non-Certified coin, their value can greatly increase. Collectors and numismatists appreciate Certified coins since most of the work is done for them and they can just reap the benefits of owning a Certified coin.

There are many coin grading agencies out there but only two that are revered worldwide. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) are two companies that issue coins their grades. These companies not only certify coins, but they also encase the graded coin into an official holder, preserving the coin and marking the holder with its earned grade. This alone has changed the coin collecting game, while also offering a peace of mind for collectors and investors.

Purchasing a Certified Proof American Gold Eagle

Learning about the Sheldon Numeric Scale isn't necessarily a priority for investors but can deem useful when looking to purchase Certified American Gold Eagles. Dr. William Sheldon was an American psychologist by trade and a numismatist as a hobby. In 1948, Sheldon developed the Sheldon Numeric Scale, which became the foundation of grading and certifying coins. The Sheldon Numeric Scale dictates that a coin's condition can fall between 1 and 70. Before this groundbreaking system, coins were graded mostly by physical appearance and could receive one of three grades.

When purchasing a Certified American Gold Eagle, there is information provided on the coin holder that is important to know. The first thing to notice is the coin's strike type:

• MS: Short for "Mint-State;" refers to coins that have never been in circulation and are the same condition as when they were originally produced. Mint State coins will receive a grade ranging from 60-70 on the Sheldon Numeric Scale.
• PF/PR: Abbreviation for "Proof;" refers to the method of coin manufacture, made for eye appeal among collectors.
• SP: A "specimen" coin is a combination of strike type (somewhere in the middle of Mint State and Proof).

A Certified American Gold Eagle (or any certified bullion coin) will most likely come in one of two grades:

• MS/PF70: Bullion coins that have kept their original mint luster and contain zero post production flaws.
• MS/PF69: Bullion coins that contain 2 or less minute imperfections but still carry their original mint luster.

Other certification terms often used for bullion coins:

• First Strike: PCGS term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
• Early Release: NGC term designates coins that have been certified within the first 30 days of production by the contributing mint.
• UCAM/DCAM: Shortened for Ultra-Cameo and Deep-Cameo, these terms refer to the coin's visual brilliance that is apparent on the surface by an unyielding, frosted finish and a deeply mirrored background luster.

Investing in American Gold Eagles

The American Gold Eagle Coins offer investors and collectors a seamless asset to their longterm investment goals. Recognized by most retirement and IRA accounts, the American Gold Eagle transcends its face value, while maintaining high intrinsic and numismatic value. The fractional American Gold Eagles come in sizes: 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. These smaller sizes represent a great entry level coin for nearly anyone. The American Gold Eagle program is the official bullion coin of the US and its popularity is not surprising.

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