Precious Metal Coins | U.S. Mint (2024)

The U.S. Mint produces precious metal coins for collectors and investors in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Proof and uncirculated coins are collected for their limited mintage numbers, while bullion coins offer a way to invest in precious metals.

Proof and Uncirculated Coins

Produced for collectors, proof and uncirculated precious metal coins range in composition. They can be gold, silver, platinum, or palladium of varying ounces or karats.

The term “proof” refers to a specialized minting process that begins by manually feeding burnished coin blanks into presses fitted with special dies. Each coin is struck multiple times so the softly frosted, yet detailed images seem to float above a mirror-like field. Uncirculated quality coins are produced the same way as circulating coins, but with quality enhancements to create a brilliant finish.

Watch the video below to learn how proof coins are made.

This page contains the following video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/FnRboZn7Zvg

The Mint sells proof and uncirculated coins at a fixed price, and each coin includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Learn more about our proof and uncirculated coins.

Bullion Coins

A bullion coin is a coin that is valued by its weight in a specific precious metal. The U.S. government guarantees its weight, content, and purity. Unlike commemorative or numismatic coins valued by limited mintage, rarity, condition, or age, investors purchase bullion coins seeking a simple way to own and invest in the gold, silver, platinum, and palladium markets.

Watch the video below to learn how bullion coins are made.

This page contains the following video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/FnRboZn7Zvg

The Mint does not sell bullion coins directly to the public. Instead, the Mint distributes the coins through a network of official distributors called “authorized purchasers”. Authorized purchasers create a two-way market buying and selling to wholesalers, financial institutions, and other secondary retailers.

Pricing for bullion coins typically depends on the market price of the metal, plus a small premium to cover minting, distribution, and marketing costs.

Learn more about our bullion coin programs.

Precious Metal Coins | U.S. Mint (2024)

FAQs

Can you buy precious metals from the U.S. Mint? ›

The Mint does not sell bullion coins directly to the public. Instead, the Mint distributes the coins through a network of official distributors called “authorized purchasers”. Authorized purchasers create a two-way market buying and selling to wholesalers, financial institutions, and other secondary retailers.

Which is the most precious metal used to mint coins? ›

The most common types are made of gold and silver, although platinum and palladium are also sometimes used. While some investors purchase bullion coins as gifts or collectible items, others invest in them for their perceived value as a hedge against inflation.

What gold coins does the U.S. Mint? ›

The U.S. Mint produces American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins in four weights: one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce. The coins are 22-karat gold, plus small amounts of alloy.

Are coins from U.S. Mint worth anything? ›

Collectors and investors often consider US Mint coins a valuable addition to their portfolios. These pieces hold historical significance, potentially increase in value over time, and offer diversification.

How much is a 1 oz gold coin worth today? ›

What is the current value of a one ounce Gold American Eagle coin? The current ask purchase price for a one ounce American Gold Eagle is: $2,456.00 and the current Monex bid selling price for one ounce Gold Eagle coin is: $2,371.60.

Why are gold coins illegal? ›

As mentioned before, the ban on private ownership of gold in the United States was implemented as an emergency measure to combat the Great Depression. The U.S. was on a gold standard at the time, meaning that the value of the U.S. dollar was tied directly to a specific amount of gold.

Does US Mint sell gold bars? ›

To buy gold bars and coins from the U.S. Mint, you need to go through a network of official distributors who sell to wholesalers, financial institutions and secondary retailers that sell to consumers either online or in person.

What are the disadvantages of precious metal coins? ›

The pros of investing in precious metals include their ability to act as a store of value, protection against inflation, and diversification of an investment portfolio. The cons include price volatility, storage and insurance costs, and a lack of income generation as metals don't pay dividends like stocks and bonds.

Why are US Mint silver coins so expensive? ›

American Silver Eagle coins are among the most highly-priced in the world due to their low mintage quantities, strong government recognition, and collectible value.

Can I buy silver eagles from my bank? ›

Banks typically sell American Silver Eagles as part of their bullion services, which allows customers to invest in precious metals. The American Silver Eagle is a recognized currency; it can be purchased from several banks and financial institutions.

How much gold is in a $20 gold piece? ›

A double eagle is a gold coin of the United States with a denomination of $20. (Its gold content of 0.9675 troy ounces [30.09 g] was worth $20 at the 1849 official price of $20.67/ozt.)

What is the smallest gold coin you can buy? ›

They are available in four sizes: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce. All American Eagle Gold Proof Coins contain 91.67 percent (22-karat) gold.

What is the rarest U.S. minted coin? ›

1. 1849 Double Eagle Gold Coin. With just one coin currently in existence, the gold 1849 Double Eagle is considered the rarest and most valuable coin in US history.

Are buffalo nickels worth anything? ›

Many buffalo nickels can be traded for about 50 cents but under the right conditions it could be worth over $1,000, according to coin collector David Sorrick at In God We Trust LLC. “The series itself is fairly affordable for the average collector.

What is a 1943 steel penny worth? ›

How Much is the 1943 Steel Penny Worth? The United States Mint struck over 600,000,000 of the Lincoln Wheat Penny in 1943, which is a fairly large mintage. Thus, it is safe to say that the coin is pretty common in numismatic terms. Specimens in poor circulated conditions aren't worth more than 15 to 30 cents.

Can you buy directly from the U.S. Mint? ›

The United States Mint does not sell its bullion coins directly to the public. Instead, we distribute the coins through a network of official distributors called “Authorized Purchasers” who, in turn, create a two-way market buying and selling to wholesalers, financial institutions, and other secondary retailers.

Can I buy silver from the U.S. Mint? ›

The U.S. Mint does not sell bullion coins directly to the public. Learn more about silver bullion coins or locate a bullion coin dealer. Prices are based on the market price of silver, which fluctuates daily.

Is it better to buy gold from the U.S. Mint? ›

For many investors and collectors, purchasing gold is not just about acquiring a physical asset; it's also a way to secure their wealth. When it comes to buying gold, one of the most reputable sources in the United States is the U.S. Mint.

Is it good to buy gold from U.S. Mint? ›

Additionally, the US Mint produces a range of commemorative coinage that transcends their intrinsic metal value. Whether collected by collectors or investors, gold US Mint coins have a high purchase and resale value due to their historic and aesthetic value.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Roderick King

Last Updated:

Views: 5447

Rating: 4 / 5 (71 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Roderick King

Birthday: 1997-10-09

Address: 3782 Madge Knoll, East Dudley, MA 63913

Phone: +2521695290067

Job: Customer Sales Coordinator

Hobby: Gunsmithing, Embroidery, Parkour, Kitesurfing, Rock climbing, Sand art, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Roderick King, I am a cute, splendid, excited, perfect, gentle, funny, vivacious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.