Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Mint today announced a reduction in prices for the 1998 Proof Gold American Eagle Coins to 1990 levels and, for the second straight year, reduced maximum mintages and quantities of the individual denominations available. The Mint, also for the second consecutive year, is limiting quantities of the popular Four Coin Set at 25,000 when the coins go on sale March 27.
The one–ounce proof gold American Eagle will sell for $570 (down from $589); the half–ounce for $285 (down from $299); the quarter–ounce for $150 (down from $159); the tenth–ounce for $70 (down from $75) and the Four Coin Set for $999 (down from $1,025). The proof silver American Eagle one ounce coin will sell for $24 (up from $23), the first price increase for the Silver Eagle time since the program began in 1986.
“We looked at the substantial fall in gold prices in recent months and concluded that we needed to share these lower costs with our customers,” said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. “On the other hand, silver prices have risen in the past year, and given the fact we have not raised proof Silver Eagle prices in 12 years, we decided the time had come to do so.”
Already at historically low levels last year, overall 1998 proof gold Eagle mintages have been reduced about 12 percent:.
| Coin | ’97 Maximum Mintage |
’97 Individual Coins Available |
’98 Maximum Mintage |
’98 Individual Coins Available |
| 1 ounce | 45,000 | 10,000 | 35,000 | 10,000 |
| _ ounce | 38,000 | 8,000 | 32,000 | 7,000 |
| 1/4 ounce | 45,000 | 15,000 | 36,000 | 11,000 |
| 1/10 ounce | 45,000 | 15,000 | 45,000 | 20,000 |
| 4–Coin Sets | 30,000 | 25,000 | ||
| Silver 1 ounce | 500,000 | 495,000 | 450,000 |
Sales of proof gold Eagles will end December 31,1998, and Proof Silver Eagles will be sold while supplies last. The Mint reserves the right to limit quantities and to stop accepting orders. Coins may be delivered in multiple shipments at different times.
For general information about proof Eagles, phone (202) 283–COIN. Starting March 27, phone 1–800–USA–MINT to order.