With the introduction of the Type 2 designs in 2021, the US Mint added several anti-counterfeiting measures to the 1 oz coins that include both “overt” and “covert” features that available in the Type 1 coins.
The most obvious overt feature that investors notice is the notch in the edge of the American Eagle Gold and Silver coins. In appearance, it looks as if one of the reeds was knocked off. The notches also appear also on the redesigned gold and silver American Eagles with Uncirculated (Burnished) and Proof finishes. This is one of the a“overt” security features added by the mint. Additionally, the mint has included “covert” anti-counterfeiting measures as well.
The feature has yet to be implemented for the smaller denomination fractional American Gold Eagles. For now, these notches are on only the 1 oz coins.
On the 2021 issue, when looking at the obverse of the coin, the notch appears to disrupt the reeding around the edge at roughly at the 6 o’clock position. Each year they move it to a new location on the edge.
The notch was moved to a different position for the 2022 issue, with the location at approximately the 7 o’clock position.
The anti-counterfeiting notch was added as a deterrent to thwart Chinese counterfeiters from forging fakes of these best selling bullion coins.
Mint officials are not disclosing the coins’ new covert feature or features.
In a statement release by Todd Martin, deputy director for the Mint’s Office of Corporate Communications, “The United States Mint has invested in developing a state of the art Anti-Counterfeiting laboratory in Philadelphia,” Martin said. “The lab will use improved testing and authentication methods to determine the genuineness of coins returned via the presently suspended Mutilated Coin Redemption Program — which accepts bent and partial coins from individuals and businesses. The lab currently processes worn coins returned by the Federal Reserve (uncurrent coins).”
For 2024, the 1 oz Silver and 1 oz Gold American Eagle coins, the notch is at the 9 o’clock position in relation to the obverse. The edge notches are not included on fractional versions of the American Eagle gold bullion coins, nor fractional Uncirculated or Proof versions.
