Sets vs Singles
The Mint began selling uncirculated gold and silver American Eagle coins in 2006 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the American Eagle bullion coin program. Since then individual uncirculated one ounce Gold Eagles have usually been offered with no production or ordering limits.
While the gold bullion and proof sets have proved popular, individual sales of one-ounce uncirculated coins have lagged behind, possibly because of little perceived difference between them and bullion coins.
Why Uncirculated?
Although uncirculated coins are technically business strikes, unlike bullion or circulating coins, these are struck on highly polished dies and are specially handled to avoid the flaws and bag marks inherent in business strike and bullion coins. This makes them more valuable to collectors, especially as time takes its toll on circulating business strike and bullion coins.
What’s Different This Year?
The 2018 issue of individual one ounce Gold Eagles is limited to 10,000 coins but there are no limits on individual purchases. While this number is higher than individual sales in previous years and may not be sold out before the 2019 coins go into production, it sets a limit for the first time, and if demand is high and the limit is reached, it could add to the coins’ long-term value.
Collecting Uncirculated Gold Eagles
Gold Eagles were originally intended (and remain) as the official US gold bullion coins. Proof Gold Eagles were the collectors’ version, but since the Mint began offering certified uncirculated Gold Eagles in 2006, a second collectible market is evolving.
Produced to the same exacting standards as proof coins, the Mint’s uncirculated Gold Eagles differ only in that they lack the mirrored finish of the proofs. They sell for slightly less than proof coins but are graded similarly on the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale with ratings of Mint State.
Coins of that grade have historically been the most valuable, and there’s no reason to believe that will be different for American Gold Eagle coins as the years roll by. Plus, they retain their bullion value as an ounce of gold. For now, though, the American Eagle gold coins remain affordable for collectors and investors alike.
The Great American Coin Company offers uncirculated American Gold Eagles and other US bullion coins at attractive prices. They’re just some of the many ways we serve collectors and investors around the world. Visit our website, greatamericancoincompany.com, for more information. And be sure to check back often as our selections are constantly changing.