Tenth Ounce Proof Gold Eagles

There are three finishes offered for the American Gold Eagle Bullion coins: Brilliant Uncirculated, Proof, and Burnished. The American Gold Eagle minting process varies slightly depending on which finish the coin is assigned. The Burnished finish is only offered in 1 oz increments when production was halted in 2009, prohibiting other sizes to be minted to save money.

In 1986, the Proof American Gold Eagles were minted, in only 1 oz increments. By 1988, the Proof American Gold Eagle Coin became available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. Unlike the brilliant uncirculated coins, that are only packaged in tubes of 10, the Proof American Gold Eagle's packaging is more aesthetically pleasing. The coin itself is encased in an appropriately fitted capsule then placed into a velvet presentation box with its Certificate of Authenticity. The presentation box is then protected by an official US Mint cardboard box.

Background of the American Gold Eagle

Many people confuse the American Gold Eagles with the "double eagles" of the Pre-1933 gold coin program. The double eagles are the $10 gold coins that once held the title of highest monetary value gold coin. In the 1820's and 30's, Congress was asked, on multiple occasions, to authorize the minting of a new gold coin. During the famous gold rushes, there were very large transactions taking place that would leave traders and prospectors with pockets full of small denomination gold coins. This system was neither safe or ideal for anyone so a larger denomination gold coin was the only answer. The $20 Liberty was first produced in 1850, maintaining its design until 1907, when the $20 Saint-Gaudens design took over.

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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Background of the American Gold Eagle

Many people confuse the American Gold Eagles with the "double eagles" of the Pre-1933 gold coin program. The double eagles are the $10 gold coins that once held the title of highest monetary value gold coin. In the 1820's and 30's, Congress was asked, on multiple occasions, to authorize the minting of a new gold coin. During the famous gold rushes, there were very large transactions taking place that would leave traders and prospectors with pockets full of small denomination gold coins. This system was neither safe or ideal for anyone so a larger denomination gold coin was the only answer. The $20 Liberty was first produced in 1850, maintaining its design until 1907, when the $20 Saint-Gaudens design took over.

Highest MintagesThe 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.