1997 Alaska Mint Gold Proof 4-Coin Set 1.65 Troy Oz.

This 4 coin set has a total weight of 1.65 troy ounces of .999 fine gold: 1 oz. (30.02mm), 1/2 oz. (25.57mm), 1/10 oz. (16.08mm), 1/20 oz. (13.74mm). The design of the medallions depicts a buffalo along with the inscriptions "ALASKA," "1997," and the mint mark "A" on the obverse. The reverse depicts the official seal of the great state of Alaska, designed in 1884, and modified in 1911 by an unknown artist. The Seal of the State of Alaska was first adopted before statehood, when the area was known as the District of Alaska. The first governor designated a seal of the district, which featured glaciers, northern lights, igloos, and an Eskimo ice fishing. In 1910, this seal was replaced with a design more representative of the state's industrial and natural wealth. Today's seal contains rays above the mountains that represent the famous Alaskan northern lights. The smelter symbolizes mining; the train stands for Alaska's railroads; and ships denote transportation by sea. The trees pictured in the seal symbolize the state's wealth of timber, and the farmer, his horse, and the three shocks of wheat stand for Alaskan agriculture. The fish and the seals signify the importance of fishing and seal rookeries to Alaska's economy. Alaska is the only state which displays a seal on its seal. Alaska Mint proof medallions are produced from carefully selected planchets, or coin blanks, that have been burnished to a high luster. The polished blanks are carefully handled to minimize scratches and abrasions and are struck twice to bring forth the most minute detail with remarkeable clarity. Like all of our other gold coins, this one is guaranteed to be 100% authentic. Item will be wrapped and packaged safe for delivery.