Fractional Gold Coins Unveiled by the US Mint
The highly anticipated 2024-W Proof American Gold Eagles have been revealed by the United States Mint, showcasing four different sizes of fractional gold coins. These sizes include 1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz., and 1/10 oz., with corresponding denominations of $50, $25, $10, and $5 respectively.
Proof coins are revered for their frosted design elements contrasted by mirror-like backgrounds. These newly released gold coins from the U.S. Mint are the numismatic versions of the popular bullion American Gold Eagle program.
The Iconic Designs
The American Gold Eagles made their debut in 1986, showcasing the iconic depiction of Liberty by Augustus Saint-Gaudens on the obverse (heads side). This timeless design, originally featured on $20 gold coins minted from 1907 to 1933, remains a favorite among collectors to this day.
In 2021, on the 35th anniversary of the program, the U.S. Mint introduced a revitalized version of the design. By combining historical artifacts with modern technology, they were able to enhance the original vision of Saint-Gaudens.
Each coin bears obverse inscriptions of “LIBERTY” and “2024,” as well as a “W” denoting its production at the U.S. Mint’s West Point facility.
Additionally, in 2021, the U.S. Mint unveiled a fresh reverse design, continued in this year’s collection. The new reverse portrays a detailed close-up of an eagle’s head, conceptualized by Jennie Norris and sculpted by Renata Gordon from the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP).
The reverse also includes inscriptions such as “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” along with the artists’ initials, the face value, and the precious metal weight of the coin.
American Eagle Gold Specifications
| $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) |
0.1091 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) |
| Edge | Reeded Edge Variation | Reeded Edge | ||
| 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) |
Limits, Prices, and Ordering
The exclusive 2024-W Proof American Gold Eagles can be ordered from the U.S. Mint’s online portal. Below are the product details, mintage limits, household order restrictions, and initial pricing.
| Product Option | Product Limit | Mintage Limit | Household Order Limit | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 $50 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1 oz.) | 9,500 | 19,500 | 3 | $3,200.00 |
| 2024 $25 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1/2 oz.) | 5,000 | 15,000 | 3 | $1,625.00 |
| 2024 $10 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1/4 oz.) | 8,000 | 18,000 | 3 | $840.00 |
| 2024 $5 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1/10 oz.) | 18,000 | 28,000 | 3 | $365.00 |
| 2024 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins (Four-Coin Set) | 10,000 | N/A | 3 | $5,980.00 |
*Please note that the initial pricing may change weekly based on the Mint’s precious metals coin pricing matrix, with the current pricing reflecting the LBMA gold averaging within the range of $2,300 to $2,349.99 per ounce.
Insight: Fractional gold coins, like these newly unveiled American Gold Eagles, offer investors and collectors various options to diversify their holdings and cater to different budget ranges. The fractional sizes provide flexibility in purchasing based on individual preferences, making these coins appealing to a wide audience of enthusiasts.