Tenth Ounce Certified Proof Gold Eagles

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.

The American Gold Eagle Design

The obverse design, used for the American Gold Eagle, was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907 and repurposed in 1986 for the gold eagle. 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. Dressed in a light robe, Lady Liberty is depicted as a warrior, with only a torch and an olive branch as her weapons. The word, "Liberty," is written above her head, and 50 small stars encircle the coin's rim.

Hand-picked by the Founding Fathers, the Bald Eagle became the nation's emblem; representing strength, independence, and leadership. Miley Busiek features a Bald Eagle family, on the reverse of the American Gold Eagle; a male, female, and a hungry baby. The representation of these three eagles depicts the country's strength,in the past, present, and future. The king of the birds of prey nests within a bed made of olive branches with the coin's weight, purity, and monetary value written underneath the eagle family.

Production of the American Gold Eagle

The US Mint prides itself on the high quality and precise production value of the American Gold Eagle. Each American Gold Eagle is guaranteed by the US Mint and Treasury for it's weight and purity. To make the perfect coin, the process is extremely meticulous. The process begins with a blank put through a spinning drum. When that blank comes out, on the other end, a specialist handles the coin with white gloves to ensure maximum care. The coin is then placed, by hand, into the coin press, where a high pressure strike is released. The individualized care, per coin, results in a clean, crisply minted product. Investors and collectors are aware of the caution that is used minting the American Gold Eagle, making it the official bullion coin in the United States.

Certified Proof American Gold Eagles

There are many coin grading agencies, in the US, but only a few have earned the trust and respect of numismatists everywhere. 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.

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.

Purchasing a Certified Proof American Gold Eagle

The Sheldon Numeric Scale is an important aspect, of the Certified Proof American Gold Eagles, to learn. 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. There are many terms to look out for, when investing in Certified Proof American Gold Eagles and below, the most important ones are listed.

• 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).
• 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.
• 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 Certified 1/10 oz 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.

Highest Mintages

The amount of 1/10 oz Proof American Gold Eagles produced yearly varies. Although only the Proof 1 oz American Gold Eagles were first released in 1986, the smaller increments would be produced 2 years later. In general, Proof American Gold Eagles are produced and handled differently than the Brilliant Uncirculated coins. Proof American Gold Eagles are not made according to the market demand. This alone lends to much smaller mintages, each year, and a higher value coin. Below are the highest minted dates for the 1/10 oz Proof American Gold Eagles.

• 1988: 143,881 minted
• 1989: 84,647 minted
• 1990: 99,349 minted

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