Today at noon ET, the United States Mint will start selling a lineup of four differently sized 2023-W Proof American Gold Eagles, as well as a collection of the four coins in a set. The size options include 1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz., and 1/10 oz. coins, with corresponding denominations of $50, $25, $10, and $5.
These proof coins are struck from 22-karat gold and are issued as a numismatic version of the U.S. Mint’s popular bullion American Gold Eagle. However, unlike the bullion coins, each proof features frosted design elements against mirror-like backgrounds.
American Gold Eagle Designs
In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the program in 2021, the U.S. Mint introduced new designs for the gold coins, featuring a refreshed obverse (heads side) and an entirely new reverse (tails side). These designs continue with this year’s coins.
Coin obverses bear Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic depiction of Liberty, portrayed as a full-length figure with flowing hair. In her right hand, she holds a torch, and in her left, an olive branch. This rendition of Liberty first appeared on $20 gold coins minted from 1907 to 1933 and was reintroduced on the American Gold Eagles in 1986. To enhance the design and bring it closer to Saint-Gaudens’ original vision and level of detail, the U.S. Mint utilized historical assets in 2021.
The obverse inscriptions on each coin include "LIBERTY" and "2022." Additionally, a "W" on the obverse indicates that the coin was produced at the U.S. Mint’s facility in West Point.
The 2021 reverse design, currently in use, was created by Jennie Norris, a U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer, and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. The design provides a close-up view of an eagle’s head.
Reverse inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "IN GOD WE TRUST." Reverses also feature the artists’ initials, the coin’s legal tender face value, and its precious metal weight."
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) |
.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 U.S. Mint’s online page of numismatic gold coins, located here, is the place to order 2023-W Proof American Gold Eagles.
Product, mintage and initial household order limits are offered below, along with debut pricing.
| Product Option | Product Limit | Mintage Limit | Household Order Limit | Price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 $50 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1 oz.) | 9,500 | 22,500 | 3 | $2,850.00 |
| 2023 $25 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1/2 oz.) | 3,000 | 16,000 | 3 | $1,450.00 |
| 2023 $10 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1/4 oz.) | 6,000 | 19,000 | 3 | $752.50 |
| 2023 $5 American Eagle Gold Proof Coin (1/10 oz.) | 18,000 | 31,000 | 3 | $330.00 |
| 2023 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins (Four-Coin Set) | 13,000 | N/A | 3 | $5,332.50 |
*This initial pricing is subject to change weekly depending on the Mint’s precious metals coin pricing matrix. Currently, pricing is based on LBMA gold that averages within $1,950.00 to $1,999.99 an ounce.
