The American Eagle Proof program was introduced in 1986 with the sale of gold and silver proof coins. Platinum was added to the American Eagle Proof line-up in 1997. The term 'proof' refers to a specialized minting process that begins by manually feeding burnished coin blanks into presses fitted with special dies. Each side is struck multiple times so the softly frosted, yet detailed images seem to float above a mirror-like field. After scrutiny by white gloved inspectors, each American Eagle Proof Coin is sealed in a protective plastic capsule and mounted in a handsome satin-lined velvet presentation case.
