Out of the 108,805 total 1/4 oz American Gold Eagles minted in 1997 only 168 W coins have been certified as a PR70 DCAM grade by the PCGS.
The 1997 Proof American Gold Eagle was the first of two mintage years for the nation’s official gold coin that saw new lows in production. Since its introduction in 1988, the 1/4 oz Proof American Gold Eagle had never seen mintage numbers below roughly 36,000 coins, but that changed in 1997. Today, the 1997-W 1/4 oz Proof American Gold Eagle is available in perfect condition courtesy of JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- There are only 284 coins available in this condition and finish.
- 12th annual release of the Proof American Gold Eagle coin!
- Ships in a plastic slab to protect the coin’s condition.
- Contains a true gold content of 1/4 oz of 22-karat gold.
- Face value of $10 (USD) is fully backed by the US government.
- Earned a grade of PR70 from the Professional Coin Grading Service.
- Available with a Deep-cameo finish.
- Features the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint.
Proof American Gold Eagle coins have had a unique mintage history. While the bullion version of the coin has clearly ebbed and flowed, like the American Silver Eagle’s bullion and proof, the Proof American Gold Eagle largely held steady throughout the first decade of production.
After its 10th anniversary however, the coin program began to slowly shrink in mintage. These 1997-W 1/4 oz Proof American Gold Eagle coins represent one of the lowest mintage figures for the program during the 20th century, at a total of just 29,805.
The 1997 release year was also unique in the striking of extra 1 oz Proof American Gold Eagles for inclusion in the Impressions of Liberty coin set. Roughly 4,965 of those sets were sold in 1997.
Each Proof American Gold Eagle in this product listing is considered a perfect specimen. The PR70 grade from the PCGS identifies coins with full, original luster from the mint and a flawless finish that includes no detracting flaws of any kind.
Deep-cameo is a term used for proof coins with a design set that appears to float above the background field. This is achieved through the combination of strong, frosted designs and a deeply-mirrored, clear background field.
Please direct your questions to a JM Bullion associate at 800-276-6508. You can also contact us online using our live web chat or email address. Be sure to check out our other similar items like the 1988-P 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle PCGS PR70 DCAM or the 1990-P 1/4 oz American Gold Eagle PCGS PR70 DCAM.