WASHINGTON – The United States Mint is announcing a stunning new array of 2007 Presidential $1 Coin products featuring the coins that honor George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The new products were offered for the first time this week and customers may receive their brochures as early as today.

In addition to the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Proof SetTM, released earlier this year, the brochure includes the following new products:

* The 2007 Presidential $1 Coin Uncirculated SetTM, consisting of uncirculated versions of the Presidential $1 Coins struck at the United States Mint at Philadelphia and Denver. These coins are available in a separate folder for each facility’s coins or a complete eight-coin set of coins produced at both facilities. The four-coin sets sell for $8.95, and the eight-coin set sells for $15.95. (more…)

Designs Honor Preservation of the Nation’s Emblem of Freedom and Democracy

WASHINGTON – The United States Mint released today the coin designs for the 2008 American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Program. Public Law 108-486, the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the United States Mint to mint and issue three commemorative coins in honor of the recovery of the Bald Eagle species, the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Bald Eagle’s importance as a national symbol.

The United States Mint will mint and issue proof and uncirculated versions of the Bald Eagle Coins in a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar clad coin. The obverse of the $5 gold coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill. The design depicts young eaglets perched on a branch in their natural habitat. The coin’s reverse, sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, depicts an image of the current Great Seal of the United States as engraved in 1903.

The obverse of the $1 silver coin, designed by AIP Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, depicts a mature eagle soaring majestically through the sky. The coin’s reverse, sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Jim Licaretz, is based on a replica of the first Great Seal of the United States used between 1782 and 1841. (more…)

By Mark Ferguson

Investors and hobbyists pursue the American Eagle series of bullion coins for different reasons.

Hard-money types are looking for an economic hedge when they obtain gold, silver and platinum pieces in various sizes.

While the collector may enjoy building a portfolio of hard assets, other motivations are also involved. The numismatically inclined often seek to build a complete set of American Eagles.

For a number of dedicated hobbyists, the ultimate in quality – as in Mint State 70 or Proof 70 – is the goal. While few American Eagles leave the U.S. Mint in less than MS-68 or Proof 68, a “perfect” 70 can be elusive. Read Full Article