Newly released from the United States Mint are five numismatic products featuring varying sizes and quantities of 2014-W Proof American Gold Eagles.
American Gold Eagles are produced in 1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz. and 1/10 oz. sizes that are denominated in $50, $25, $10 and $5. Minted for collectors and unlike the bullion Gold Eagles that launched on Jan. 2, these proof coins carry the "W" mint mark from the West Point Mint and feature frosted images on mirror-like backgrounds.
Prices, Product Limits and Coin Mintage Limits
Available U.S. Mint product options include each of the gold coins and one set with all four. Their mintages, product limits and opening prices are:
| PRODUCT LIMITS | MINTAGE LIMITS | OPENING PRICES | |
| 2014-W Proof Gold Eagles (1 oz) | 20,000 | 35,000 | $1,610.00 |
| 2014-W Proof Gold Eagles (1/2 oz) | 10,000 | 25,000 | $820.00 |
| 2014-W Proof Gold Eagles (1/4 oz) | 10,000 | 25,000 | $422.50 |
| 2014-W Proof Gold Eagles (1/10 oz) | 20,000 | 35,000 | $180.00 |
| 2014-W Proof Gold Eagle Four-Coin Set | 15,000 | N/A | $2,982.50 |
Prices in the far right column are tagged as opening amounts because the U.S. Mint adjusts pricing of its numismatic gold coins up to weekly based on an average of the London Fix for gold. U.S. Mint price reviews happen on Wednesdays with adjustments made, if needed, that same day. Current prices are based on a gold average that falls within $1,250.00 to $1,299.99 an ounce.
Last year’s American Gold Eagles opened at steeper prices ranging from $200.00 to $3,352.50. The prior year’s initial sales prices ranged higher yet from $215.50 to $3,585.50.
Mintage Lows in Recent Years
In one more comparison, each of the above mintage limits represent declines of 5,000 from amounts announced last year. This lowering was established to better reflect anticipated demand. Proof Gold Eagle sales have declined to historic lows in recent years. The 2013 gold coins in the 1/2 oz. at 12,717 and 1/4 oz. at 12,789 mark the lowest mintages for their size in proof. Similarly, the 2012 gold coins in the 1 oz. at 23,805 and 1/10 oz. at 20,637 are the lowest mintages for their size in proof.
This table summarizes sales in the prior two years. An asterisk (*) has been placed by the coins that have the lowest mintage for their size.
| Final Sales for 2012 – 2013 Proof American Gold Eagles | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 SALES (UNITS) | 2012 SALES (UNITS) | 2013 SALES (COINS) | 2012 SALES (COINS) | |
| 1 oz | 16,833 | 14,848 | 24,710 | 23,805* |
| 1/2 oz | 4,840 | 3,962 | 12,717* | 12,919 |
| 1/4 oz | 4,912 | 4,969 | 12,789* | 13,926 |
| 1/10 oz | 13,865 | 11,680 | 21,742 | 20,637* |
| 4-Coin Set | 7,877 | 8,957 | N/A | N/A |
Coin Designs and Coin Specifications
Since their introduction in 1986, American Gold Eagles have always shared the same obverse and reverse designs.
Obverses offer Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ rendition of Liberty from the $20 double eagle coin minted from 1907 to 1933. Liberty holds a lit torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. Rays of the rising sun are cast behind her along with an image of the U.S. Capitol Building. Surrounding the scene are fifty stars along with inscriptions of LIBERTY, the W mint mark and 2014 for the year of minting.
Reverses feature Miley Frances Busiek’s depiction of a family of eagles with a male eagle in flight carrying an olive branch above a nest with a female eagle and her two eaglets. Surrounding the image are inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST and the coin’s precious metal weight and legal tender face value.
| $50 | $25 | $10 | $5 | |
| Composition | 22 Karat Gold (91.67% Gold 3.0% Silver Balance Copper) |
|||
| Weight | 1.0909 troy oz. (33.931 grams) |
0.5455 troy oz. (16.966 grams) |
0.2727 troy oz. (8.483 grams) |
.1091 troy oz. (3.393 grams) |
| Diameter | 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) |
1.063 inches (27.00 mm) |
0.866 inch (22.00 mm) |
0.650 inch (16.50 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.113 inch (2.87 mm) |
0.085 inch (2.15 mm) |
0.070 inch (1.78 mm) |
0.049 inch (1.26 mm) |
| Edge | Reeded | |||
Where to Order
2014-W Proof American Gold Eagles may be ordered directly from the United States Mint online catalog with the product page located here. Phone orders are accepted at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
No household limits are in place, meaning consumers can order as many coins and sets as they like.
A few thoughts on demand right now…. I read that silver eagles are outselling gold eagles by over 90-1 margin. That may mean more value down the road for these gold eagles, esp when the mintage figures go down. I look forward to increased demand in the aftermarket, whenever it may return. Anecdotally, many graded gold and silver coins on eBay that used to be offered as a straight auction are “buy it now” only. IMO it is because some sellers are tired of getting burned when coins have sold at a loss or perhaps close to or under spot.… Read more »
Kevin – Decreased demand runs with the price of Gold and Silver. It is down now and it is a good time to buy.
As for decreased interest… look at the Baseball Hall of Fame coins! The true collectors and dealers were finally awoken by a truly interesting design!