1.5 oz Gold American Eagle Proof 2-Coin Bullion Set .9167 Fine, 1987 (Womens History)

The Gold American Eagle Proof 2-Piece Set (1.5 oz) is a rare, one-year-only issue from 1987 — the sole year the U.S. Mint paired a 1 oz and 1/2 oz Proof Gold Eagle into a single set — making it one of the most historically distinct entries in the entire American Gold Eagle series. With a maximum worldwide mintage of just 143,398 sets, each containing 1.50 troy oz of .9167 fine gold struck to proof quality at the West Point and Philadelphia Mints respectively, collectors and precious metals buyers prize this set for its singular place in U.S. Mint history and its combination of limited supply and assured authenticity.

Specifications

• Mint MarkW (1 oz coin); P (1/2 oz coin)
• Purity.9167
• ManufacturerWest Point Mint (1 oz coin); Philadelphia Mint (1/2 oz coin)
• SeriesAmerican Gold Eagle
• CoAYes — included
• Packaging TypeProtective plastic capsules housed in original U.S. Mint-issued box with Certificate of Authenticity
• Metal Weight1.5 troy oz
• DesignObverse: Lady Liberty adapted from Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Gold Double Eagle design

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the Gold American Eagle Proof 2-Piece Set (1.5 oz)?

This is a matched pair of Proof Gold American Eagle coins — one 1 oz coin and one 1/2 oz coin — issued together by the U.S. Mint exclusively in 1987. It is the only year the Mint ever released this specific two-coin Proof Gold Eagle combination, giving the set a one-of-a-kind status in the American Gold Eagle series. The combined gold weight of both coins totals 1.50 troy oz.

What is the gold purity and total weight of this set?

Both coins in the set share the same .9167 fine gold purity (22-karat), which is the standard composition of all American Gold Eagles. The 1 oz coin contains one troy ounce of gold and the 1/2 oz coin contains one-half troy ounce, bringing the total gold content across the set to 1.50 troy oz.

Where were these coins minted, and what mint marks do they carry?

The 1 oz Proof coin was struck at the West Point Mint and bears the 'W' mint mark. The 1/2 oz Proof coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and carries the 'P' mint mark. Both facilities are official U.S. Mint production sites.

What does the design on these coins look like?

The obverse features a depiction of Lady Liberty adapted from Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic Gold Double Eagle design, widely regarded as one of the finest ever to appear on a U.S. coin. The reverse depicts a male bald eagle in flight, carrying an olive branch as he returns to a nest — a design symbolizing American heritage and family.

How does this set come packaged, and how do I know it's authentic?

Each set is housed in protective plastic capsules and presented in the original U.S. Mint-issued box, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Authenticity is assured by the U.S. Mint itself, the issuing federal agency, providing buyers with a direct, government-backed assurance of genuineness.

Is this set eligible to be held in a Precious Metals IRA?

Yes. Gold American Eagle coins, including Proof issues, meet the IRS criteria for inclusion in a self-directed Precious Metals IRA. This set's coins are therefore IRA-eligible, allowing qualifying retirement account holders to potentially add them to an approved precious metals IRA structure.