WASHINGTON-The United States Mint has struck American Eagle Coins since 1986. Twenty-two years later, the tradition continues with the release of the 2008 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins at noon (ET) on March 4, 2008.

American Eagle Gold Proof Coins-struck in 22-karat gold-bear the “W” mint mark indicating their production at the United States Mint at West Point. Emblazoned on the obverse is Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ celebrated rendition of Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Gracing the reverse of the coin is an image of a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings, designed by sculptor Miley Busiek. Each coin is sealed in a protective capsule and mounted in a handsome, satin-lined velvet presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity, documenting the coin’s place in history, is included.

American Eagle Gold Proof Coins are struck multiple times for a frosted cameo image specially made for collectors. These coins are available in one-tenth ounce, one-quarter ounce, one-half ounce and one ounce denominations. Prices and mintages are as follows: (more…)

Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin

WASHINGTON- She was instrumental in refurbishing the White House following its destruction during the War of 1812. The people of France-with whom she and her husband were popular-called her la belle Americaine. A mere visit from her to Madame Lafayette saved the imprisoned woman from the guillotine.

The Nation celebrates the life and work of this woman-Elizabeth Monroe-with the United States Mint’s release of a 24-karat gold coin on February 28 at noon (ET). The Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be available in 1/2-ounce proof and uncirculated versions offered at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. Mintage is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.

Orders for the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be limited to one per product option per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit following the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or eliminate it.

Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coin also will be available for $3.50. There is no mintage or order limit for this option.

The obverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin bears a portrait designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. Inscriptions on the coin are “Elizabeth Monroe” and “1817-1825,” the years she served as First Spouse. Additional inscriptions on the obverse of the coin are “In God We Trust,” “Liberty” and “2008.”

The coin’s reverse features a portrait of Elizabeth Monroe at a reception marking the 1818 reopening of the White House after it had been burned during the War of 1812. Inscriptions are “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 oz.” and “.9999 Fine Gold.” The reverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers. (more…)

WASHINGTON – Collectors won’t want to miss placing their orders for the 2008 United States Mint 50 States Quarters Silver Proof SetTM at noon (ET) on February 25. What makes this year’s set of five commemorative state quarters so special? The set is composed solely of proof quarters honoring the last states in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program®-Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, and Hawaii-all struck in 90% silver. Priced at $25.95, it is still one of the best deals around.

The term “proof” refers to a manufacturing process in which specially-treated coin blanks are struck multiple times using specially-polished dies. Proof coins-unlike coins produced for general circulation-are extraordinarily brilliant, with sharp relief and a mirror-like background. A frosted, sculpted foreground gives these coins a special cameo effect.

Each proof coin in the United States Mint 50 State Quarters Silver Proof Set bears the “S” mint mark denoting production at the United States Mint at San Francisco. The coins are sealed in a case that is housed in a specially printed box accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Collectors can order the 2008 United States Mint 50 State Quarters Silver Proof Set and other genuine United States Mint products at our secure website, www.usmint.gov. Orders are also accepted at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.