The 2012 Gold American Eagle 4-Coin Set, MS70 NGC Graded (w Early Release label), is a popular item with investors and collectors since the beginning of the Gold Eagle series in 1986 for their beauty, patriotic design and gold value. All coins are in perfect MS70 condition and Gainesville Coins is delighted to offer this limited addition 4 coin set at extremely competitive pricing.
The 4-coin set of Gold Eagles are graded MS-70 by NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) with the Early Releases designation. The size coin in the set includes a 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz gold coin; these coins are guaranteed by the U.S. government to contain the stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces.
About Certified/Graded Coins
“Coin grade” is a term used within the coin industry to indicate the condition, amount of wear or state of preservation of a coin. The grade of a coin is important because it is one of the three critical factors in determining value and future price potential. The other two factors are rarity and demand.
In the United States coins are graded based on the Sheldon numerical scale created in 1949 by Dr. William Sheldon that grades coins from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (absolute perfection). Only a tiny fraction of the coins produced each year have the full strike and flawless surfaces required to be considered perfect mint state 70 (MS70) or Proof 70 (PR70). Coins with the grade of 70 generally tend to appreciate in value more quickly than coins in lesser grades.
When you buy a certified coin you are getting a guarantee from an independent third party source that the coin is authentic and genuine, that it has not been altered, tampered with or cleaned. Certified coins are set in clear plastic holders called “slabs”. These slabs are sonically sealed and tamper evident and help protect and preserve the coin in its original pristine MS70 or PR70 condition. A description of the coin and its numerical grade are sealed into the holder; making it easier to place a value on the coin when you want to sell it.
Most coin collections are passed down from generation to generation, often the people inheriting the collection know very little about the coins, the certified holders will allow them to safely handle the coins without damaging them; the numeric grade will help them easily identify each coin and find its true value.
Obverse/Front
The obverse of the American Gold Eagle Coin was designed by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens originally from Dublin Ireland. At the beginning of the 20th century Augustus was commissioned by Theodore Roosevelt to redesign US coinage which included the $20 Double Eagle Gold Coin. Because of the popularity of the Double Eagle’s design the US Mint used a rendition of that design on the American Gold Eagle Coins which features a full length figure of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, with the Capitol building in the left background.
Reverse/Back
The reverse design, by sculptor Miley Busiek, features a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings symbolizing family values and unity. Her initials MB can be seen mint marked at the bottom center of the coins. The mint marks JW are those of the engraver of the original die of coin.
American Gold Eagles Are IRA Eligible
The American Gold Eagles are IRA eligible. For more information on precious metals IRAs, please visit our IRA Page: Precious Metal IRA
Weight and Dimensions
The one-ounce American Gold Eagle coin has a $50 nominal face value, is 91.67% fine gold, and weighs 1.0909 troy ounces. Its diameter is 32.7 mm, thickness 2.87 mm.
The half-ounce American Gold Eagle coin has a $25 nominal face value, is 91.67% fine gold, and weighs .5455 troy ounces. The Diameter is 27mm, thickness 2.15mm.
The quarter-ounce American Gold Eagle coin has a $10 nominal face value, is 91.67% fine gold, and weighs .2727 troy ounces. About the size of a nickel, it is popular in jewelry. Its diameter is 22mm, its thickness 1.78 mm.
The tenth-ounce American Gold Eagle coin is a $5 face value coin, 91.67% fine gold (22 karat), and weighs .1091 troy ounces. Smaller than a dime, it is a popular small gift item. Diameter 16.5 mm, thickness 1.26mm.