One of the most diverse and popular gold coins in the world is the American Gold Eagle, the official gold coin of the United States, which is available in bullion, proof, and burnished versions. Featuring images of Lady Liberty and the American bald eagle, this coin is symbolic of America’s freedom, power, and majesty. Today, the 2017-W ½ oz Proof American Gold Eagle Coin is available to purchase online from JM Bullion in its original US Mint box.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in a beautiful brown velvet case with satin lining.
- Includes a US Mint Certificate of Authenticity!
- 31st year of issue for the ½ oz Proof American Gold Eagle.
- Contains ½ Troy oz of actual gold content.
- Face value of $25 (USD) is fully backed by the US government.
- Obverse features Lady Liberty from Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
- Reverse bears the image of a family of bald eagles from Miley Busiek.
- Includes the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint.
American Gold Eagle coins are struck in three different versions each year. The bullion coin is the official coin of the US, while the proof coin is the primary collectible version of the American Gold Eagle collection. Since 2006, the low-mintage burnished coins are struck as a high-value collectible coin as well.
Production of the Proof American Gold Eagle began in 1986, but only the 1 oz coin was offered that year. These ½ oz Proof Gold Eagles were introduced one year later in 1987, with the ¼ oz and 1/10 oz coins debuting in 1988.
The introduction year aside (143,398), the ½ oz Proof American Gold Eagle coin has featured an extremely stable mintage level over time. Though it ebbs and flows with the price of gold and demand for the precious metal, mintage figures since 1988 have never exceeded 76,528 or fallen below 12,718. In fact, the typical average from 1988 to 2015 has been between 24,000 and 44,000.
On the obverse of 2017 ½ oz Proof American Gold Eagles you’ll find that historic image of Lady Liberty created by Saint-Gaudens. His original image in 1907 featured Liberty surrounded by 46 stars, as the nation had only 46 states at the time. By the time it appeared on the $20 Gold Double Eagle, two stars were added for Arizona and New Mexico. This coin features 50 stars, reflecting the post-World War II additions of Hawaii and Alaska to the Union.
The reverse of each 2017 ½ oz Proof American Gold Eagle Coin bears Miley Busiek’s image of a family of bald eagles. In her depiction, a male bald eagle is shown flying over the nest, which holds a group of hatchlings that are watched over carefully by a female eagle.
Please direct your questions to a JM Bullion customer service associate at 800-276-6508. You can also contact our team online using our live chat and email address.