With the introduction of the Type 2 designs in 2021, the US Mint added several anti-counterfeiting measures to the 1 oz coins. The first thing most investors notice is the edge notch. This is one of the new security features and not a design flaw or error coin.
The most apparent overt feature that investors notice is the notch on the edge of the American Eagle Gold and Silver coins. In appearance, it looks as if one of the reeds is missing. The notches also appear on the redesigned coins with Uncirculated (Burnished) and Proof finishes. This is one of the overt security features added by the mint. Additionally, the mint includes “covert” anti-counterfeiting measures.
The feature has yet to be implemented for the smaller fractional American Gold Eagles denomination. For now, these notches are on only the 1 oz coins.
On the 2021 issue, the notch appears to disrupt the reeded edge at roughly 6 o’clock when looking at the obverse. Each year, it moves to a new location on the edge.
The notch moved to a different position for the 2022 issue, with the location at approximately 7 o’clock.
| Year | Edge Notch Position (Obverse View) |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 o’clock (below the date) |
| 2022 | Approximately 7 o’clock (below the sun) |
| 2023 | 3 o’clock (near the ‘Y’ in ‘LIBERTY’) |
| 2024 | 9 o’clock (after the ‘L’ in ‘LIBERTY’) |
| 2025 | 10 o’clock (before the ‘I’ in ‘LIBERTY’) |
To identify the notch, hold the coin with the obverse (Walking Liberty) facing up and locate the smooth interruption in the reeded edge at the specified position. This feature is present on all 1 oz bullion, proof, and uncirculated Gold and Silver Eagles from 2021 onward.
For visual references and further details, you can consult the U.S. Mint’s official website or reputable numismatic resources.
American Eagle Anti-Counterfeiting Security Features
The purpose of the anti-counterfeiting notch is to deter 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 released 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 notch on the 1 oz Silver and 1 oz American Gold Eagle coins is at the 9 o’clock position about the obverse. The edge notches do not yet appear on fractional American Eagle gold bullion coins nor fractional Uncirculated or Proof versions.
