After decades of using the so-called crown gold alloy in its gold coins, the United States Mint abandoned that fineness in 1834 in favor of a flat .900 gold purity level in all of its coins. It wasn’t until the American Gold Eagle was introduced as the nation’s official gold bullion coin in 1986 that American coins featured .999 pure gold. Today you have the chance to purchase a 2005-W ½ oz Proof American Gold Eagle Coin from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships to you in a protective plastic slab.
- Contains ½ oz of .999 pure gold.
- Issued a face value of $25 (USD) by the government of the United States.
- Bears a grade of PR70 from the Professional Coin Grading Service.
- Features a Deep-cameo finish.
- Mint mark of “W” identifies the West Point Mint as manufacturer.
American Gold Eagle coins were authorized for production in 1985 following passage of the Gold Bullion Coin Act by Congress. The United States Mint introduced the coins in bullion, with four weights (1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz), and proof for the first time in 1986. The proof version of the coin didn’t get fractional weight strikes until 1987 with the introduction of the ½ oz and 1988 with the addition of the ¼ and 1/10 oz.
On the obverse side of each coin is Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic depiction of Lady Liberty. In his design, she is featured striding confidently toward the future with a torch held aloft in her right hand as a guiding light for the nation.
The reverse side of all Proof American Gold Eagle coins bears sculptor Miley Busiek’s depiction of a family of nesting bald eagles. The coin’s weight, purity, metal content, and face value are included on this side.
Each coin in this JM Bullion product listing has a perfect PR70 grade from the PCGS. This means each coin has its original, full luster, and no detracting flaws of any kind. Deep-cameo is a term used to describe the contrast between the strong, frosted appearance of the design set and the deeply-mirrored, clear background field.
If you have questions for a JM Bullion associate, don’t hesitate to call us at 800-276-6508. We’re also available online using our live web chat and email services. If you are looking for similar products, be sure to check out our collection of South African Gold Krugerrands.