In 1986, Liberty, as depicted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was selected as the design that would grace the obverse
of the American Eagle Gold Coins. The Saint-Gaudens design first appeared on the United States' $20, or
double-eagle, gold piece in 1907, where it remained until 1933. Like their gold counterparts, American Eagle
Silver Coins have been produced and sold in both proof and bullion finishes since 1986. They have always
featured a rendition of sculptor Adolph A. Weinman's magnificent Walking Liberty design, originally prepared
and executed for the Nation’s first circulating half-dollar coin in 1916.
Congressionally authorized
American Eagle Bullion Coins
provide investors with a convenient and cost-effective way to add a small amount of physical platinum,
gold, or silver to their investment portfolios. Since their launch in 1986, gold, platinum and silver
American Eagles have become leading bullion coin investment products.
The United States Mint produces proof versions of American Eagle Bullion coins for collectors.
American Eagle Proof Coins
undergo a specialized minting process, which begins by manually feeding burnished coin blanks into
presses fitted with special dies. The coin is struck multiple times so the softly frosted, yet
detailed images seem to float above a mirror-like field. After scrutiny by white gloved inspectors,
each American Eagle Proof Coin is sealed in a protective plastic capsule and mounted in a handsome
satin-lined velvet presentation case with its own official Certificate of Authenticity. Since
American Eagle Proof Coins are produced by the United States Mint, each coin's content, weight and
purity are guaranteed by the United States Government. American Eagle Gold, Silver, and Platinum
Proof Coins have a limited mintage and can be purchased directly from the United States Mint.
In 2006, the United States Mint added another member to the American Eagle family of precious metal
coins. Collectors can purchase
American Eagle Uncirculated Coins
in silver, gold and platinum directly from the United States Mint.
Like its proof counterpart, the American Eagle Silver Uncirculated Coin is available in a one-ounce
size, while the American Eagle Uncirculated Coins in both gold and platinum are available in one-tenth,
one-quarter, one-half and one ounce sizes, as well as a complete four-coin set containing one coin of
each size. The American Eagle Platinum Uncirculated Coins carry the same reverse design as the American
Eagle Platinum Proof Coins.
In a process similar to that used to create the magnificent American Eagle Proof Coins, American Eagle
Uncirculated Coins are hand-loaded into the coining press, struck on specially burnished blanks and carry
the "W" mint mark of the United States Mint at West Point.
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