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.
There seems to be a gold rush as of late. I am on the sidelines for now watching.
On your mark … get set …
Got it but I still don’t know what the waiting room is and whether I encountered it. I hit refresh at 12:01 & “remind me” changed to “add to bag”. How is this “waiting room” activated? How should it work if I ever need it?
Hey REB, If the traffic on the Mint’s catalog site exceeds the level the managers feel it can handle, you’ll be given the wait room page instead of the page you clicked to see. The wait room page displays a real time count-down indicator giving you an estimate for your wait time to access the page you want and a warning not to refresh the page or the wait time clock will start over. I perceive a striking lack of excitement for this release.
Aside from whatever other issues may or may not be hampering a possibly higher degree of enthusiasm for this release, perhaps knowing these coins are 22K rather than 24k gold is sufficient to tell at least some of the tale.
Thanks for the information. I suspect you’re right about excitement. 13,000 mintage (which is 4-5,000 higher than past sales numbers) and a high price tag tend to curb enthusiasm.
It’s a Catch-22 situation with these coins, REB. The Mint’s price is more than likely a bit too steep for many of us average collectors. On the other hand, they’re not a good investment for those who can easily afford them but prefer the far lower premium of bullion.
Kaiser, anyone with any sense is not investing in coins or precious metals, or in stacking them for the end-of-days.
This is how I look at it. In 2002 I purchased the four piece gold set from the US Mint for $999 The 2023 four piece set is $5332 so tell me your opinion what the four piece gold set will cost in twenty years from now from the US mint .
I can respect that analysis and wish you good luck! Unfortunately some of us can’t count on planning out that far. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/STATS/table4c6.html
Mike, I have several 4 Coin sets of the Proof AGE’s, the last purchased in 2021. Most of my sets cost between $1000 and $1400. The one in 2021 was $5055! I wanted the first issue of the new design but it was probable my last purchase of the 4 coin set. I’m just buying the 1/10th AGE coin. BTW, in 20 years, with the way things are going in this country, we’ll probably all be speaking Mandarin. I know that might sound like hyperbole, but is it any different from those climate alarmist constantly spouting how the earth will… Read more »
No, it’s not climate alarmists but rather religious fanatical cults who are constantly predicting the end of the world. Or rather the end of their world (Jonestown, Branch Davidians, Heavan’s Gate, etc. etc.). Will the church of Donald Trump be next? How’s that for hyperbole?
The USM customer service rep said that they ship everything out of a single facility, and that they have not even got around to shipping out the remaining West Point Silver Eagles. The 29th came and went and I am still waiting for my order. SHAMEFUL. Said that demand was too high, yet these were subscription…
Shame on them!
That is awful.