$25 Gold Eagles, Proof

Proof $25 gold eagles have been struck since 1987 and are popular with collectors and investors who seek a nicer-than-average specimen of this widely recognized half-ounce bullion coin. The gold American Eagle is a beautiful coin, most especially in proof. The obverse design, which shows Miss Liberty striding before a sunrise, was designed by world-renowned artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens and first appeared on $20 gold double eagles made from 1907 through 1933. On the reverse of the proof $25 gold eagle is a family of birds around a nest in a design by Miley Busiek. From 1987 through 1991, the date on the proof $25 gold eagle is expressed in traditional Roman numerals. Since 1992, the date has been displayed in common Arabic numerals.

Virtually no proof $25 gold eagle is considered rare in terms of mintage or overall availability in the marketplace. Perhaps the only exception to this is the 2008-W proof specimen, which seems to trade at higher levels, despite the fact its mintage of 22,062 is not the lowest in the series to date. Across the board, issues in PR70 tend to command higher premiums. However, this falls in line with the marketplace situation surrounding most American Eagles, which are widely sought and traded at that top grading level. While certified $25 gold eagles grading PR70 are highly popular with collectors and investors, many individuals prefer spotless examples in their original government packaging.