American Eagle Gold Coin
There is so much to admire about this coin, an immaculate finish and dependable gold purity are just the beginning. The American Gold Eagle is the official coin of the US and is the investment preference of most collectors and financiers. With its first appearance over 30 years ago, the American Gold Eagle is the most recognized gold bullion coin in the country!
Offering its loyal followers a highly collectible numismatic value, along with its undoubtable precious metals purity, the American Gold Eagle is the perfect fit for any investment goal: long or short term. Each year, investors anxiously anticipate the release of the American Gold Eagle.
American Eagle Gold Coin Price Charts. Through the years, gold has been sought for the stability, liquidity and diversity it can provide to an investment portfolio and the gold American Eagle is no exception. Research historical pricing data and track the latest prices with our interactive gold American Eagle price charts. You can purchase American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins from most major coin and precious metals dealers, as well as brokerage houses and participating banks. Locate an authorized dealer. They are minted in four weights – 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce – to fit a variety of budgets.
American Gold Eagles are produced annually, by the US Mint, and carry the same design year after year. In order to preserve the crispness of the strike, the US Mint throws out the dies every year, and makes brand new ones for the succeeding year. The American Gold Eagles are 22-karat pure, containing an alloy of silver and copper lending to the coin's resistance to wear. Compared to other gold bullion coins, the American Gold Eagle is a larger and stronger coin.
Background of the American Gold Eagle
Many people confuse the American Gold Eagles with the 'double eagles' of the Pre-1933 gold coin program. The double eagles are the $10 gold coins that once held the title of highest monetary value gold coin. In the 1820's and 30's, Congress was asked, on multiple occasions, to authorize the minting of a new gold coin. During the famous gold rushes, there were very large transactions taking place that would leave traders and prospectors with pockets full of small denomination gold coins. This system was neither safe or ideal for anyone so a larger denomination gold coin was the only answer. The $20 Liberty was first produced in 1850, maintaining its design until 1907, when the $20 Saint-Gaudens design took over.
The American Gold Eagles are the first gold coins to be minted since 1933, in the United States. When the Gold Bullion Act of 1985 was passed, the legislation demanded that there would be four weight sizes offered and two different types of coins minted. This resulted in the American Gold Eagle containing the 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz in sizes. There were also two conditions minted, brilliant uncirculated and proof (although the proof condition was only offered in 1 oz increments at first). The legislation also specified that the precious metals used, in the making of the American Gold Eagle, would come from US mines.
Design of the American Gold Eagle
The obverse design, used for the American Gold Eagle, was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907 and repurposed in 1986 for the gold eagle. The Lady Liberty design has been used as a symbol of patriotism since the US began minting their own currency and her message of courage and power still reigns true. Dressed in a light robe, Lady Liberty is depicted as a warrior, with only a torch and an olive branch as her weapons. The word, 'Liberty,' is written above her head, and 50 small stars encircle the coin's rim.
Hand-picked by the Founding Fathers, the Bald Eagle became the nation's emblem; representing strength, independence, and leadership. Miley Busiek features a Bald Eagle family, on the reverse of the American Gold Eagle; a male, female, and a hungry baby. The representation of these three eagles depicts the country's strength,in the past, present, and future. The king of the birds of prey nests within a bed made of olive branches with the coin's weight, purity, and monetary value written underneath the eagle family.
Production of the American Gold Eagle
Each American Gold Eagle is guaranteed by the US Mint and Treasury for it's weight and purity. The US Mint prides itself on the high quality and precise production value of the American Gold Eagle. To make the perfect coin, the process is extremely meticulous. The process begins with a blank put through a spinning drum. When that blank comes out, on the other end, a specialist handles the coin with white gloves to ensure maximum care. The coin is then placed, by hand, into the coin press, where a high pressure strike is released. The individualized care, per coin, results in a clean, crisply minted product. Investors and collectors are aware of the caution that is used minting the American Gold Eagle, making it the official bullion coin in the United States.
The American Gold Eagle minting process varies slightly depending on the ideal finish of the coin. There are three finishes offered for the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle Bullion coins.
- Brilliant Uncirculated: Each American Gold Eagle, in every size increment, is offered in BU condition. Brilliant Uncirculated condition is when a coin maintains its original mint luster since it wasn't placed in circulation, although it was intended for it.
- Proof: The Proof American Gold Eagles were minted, in just 1 oz increments, in 1986. By 1988, the Proof American Gold Eagle Coin became available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. Unlike its brilliant uncirculated counterpart, the Proof American Gold Eagle's packaging is more aesthetically pleasing. The coin itself is encased in an appropriately fitted capsule then placed into a velvet presentation box with its Certificate of Authenticity. The presentation box is then protected by an official US Mint cardboard box.
- Burnished: 1/10 oz Burnished American Gold Eagles were only produced from 2006-2008; after 2009, only 1 oz American Gold Eagles were minted.
Important Mintages
The amount of 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles produced yearly varies. Although the American Gold Eagles were first released in 1986, making it a high demand year, that was also one of the highest minted coins in the program. Since the American Gold Eagle's value is dependent on its gold purity and its numismatic value, collectors and numismatists tend to look for the lower minted dates. the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles rival the 1 oz coins' lower mintages. Here are the lowest minted 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles:
- 1988: 159,500 minted
- 1991: 165,200 minted
- 2007: 190,010 minted
Background of the American Gold Eagle
Many people confuse the American Gold Eagles with the 'double eagles' of the Pre-1933 gold coin program. The double eagles are the $10 gold coins that once held the title of highest monetary value gold coin. In the 1820's and 30's, Congress was asked, on multiple occasions, to authorize the minting of a new gold coin. During the famous gold rushes, there were very large transactions taking place that would leave traders and prospectors with pockets full of small denomination gold coins. This system was neither safe or ideal for anyone so a larger denomination gold coin was the only answer. The $20 Liberty was first produced in 1850, maintaining its design until 1907, when the $20 Saint-Gaudens design took over.
The American Gold Eagles are the first gold coins to be minted since 1933, in the United States. When the Gold Bullion Act of 1985 was passed, the legislation demanded that there would be four weight sizes offered and two different types of coins minted. This resulted in the American Gold Eagle containing the 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz in sizes. There were also two conditions minted, brilliant uncirculated and proof (although the proof condition was only offered in 1 oz increments at first). The legislation also specified that the precious metals used, in the making of the American Gold Eagle, would come from US mines.
Design of the American Gold Eagle
The obverse design, used for the American Gold Eagle, was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907 and repurposed in 1986 for the gold eagle. The Lady Liberty design has been used as a symbol of patriotism since the US began minting their own currency and her message of courage and power still reigns true. Dressed in a light robe, Lady Liberty is depicted as a warrior, with only a torch and an olive branch as her weapons. The word, 'Liberty,' is written above her head, and 50 small stars encircle the coin's rim.
Hand-picked by the Founding Fathers, the Bald Eagle became the nation's emblem; representing strength, independence, and leadership. Miley Busiek features a Bald Eagle family, on the reverse of the American Gold Eagle; a male, female, and a hungry baby. The representation of these three eagles depicts the country's strength,in the past, present, and future. The king of the birds of prey nests within a bed made of olive branches with the coin's weight, purity, and monetary value written underneath the eagle family.
Production of the American Gold Eagle
Each American Gold Eagle is guaranteed by the US Mint and Treasury for it's weight and purity. The US Mint prides itself on the high quality and precise production value of the American Gold Eagle. To make the perfect coin, the process is extremely meticulous. The process begins with a blank put through a spinning drum. When that blank comes out, on the other end, a specialist handles the coin with white gloves to ensure maximum care. The coin is then placed, by hand, into the coin press, where a high pressure strike is released. The individualized care, per coin, results in a clean, crisply minted product. Investors and collectors are aware of the caution that is used minting the American Gold Eagle, making it the official bullion coin in the United States.
The American Gold Eagle minting process varies slightly depending on the ideal finish of the coin. There are three finishes offered for the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle Bullion coins.
- Brilliant Uncirculated: Each American Gold Eagle, in every size increment, is offered in BU condition. Brilliant Uncirculated condition is when a coin maintains its original mint luster since it wasn't placed in circulation, although it was intended for it.
- Proof: The Proof American Gold Eagles were minted, in just 1 oz increments, in 1986. By 1988, the Proof American Gold Eagle Coin became available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. Unlike its brilliant uncirculated counterpart, the Proof American Gold Eagle's packaging is more aesthetically pleasing. The coin itself is encased in an appropriately fitted capsule then placed into a velvet presentation box with its Certificate of Authenticity. The presentation box is then protected by an official US Mint cardboard box.
- Burnished: 1/10 oz Burnished American Gold Eagles were only produced from 2006-2008; after 2009, only 1 oz American Gold Eagles were minted.
Important Mintages
The amount of 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles produced yearly varies. Although the American Gold Eagles were first released in 1986, making it a high demand year, that was also one of the highest minted coins in the program. Since the American Gold Eagle's value is dependent on its gold purity and its numismatic value, collectors and numismatists tend to look for the lower minted dates. the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles rival the 1 oz coins' lower mintages. Here are the lowest minted 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles:
- 1988: 159,500 minted
- 1991: 165,200 minted
- 2007: 190,010 minted
- Year of Issue: 2021
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 99-185
Background
Authorized by the Bullion Coin Act of 1985, American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins quickly became one of the world’s leading gold bullion investment coins. Produced from gold mined in the United States, American Eagles are imprinted with their gold content and legal tender “face” value. An American Eagle’s value is based on the market price of its metal content, plus a small premium to cover coinage and distribution.
American Eagles use the durable 22 karat standard established for gold circulating coinage over 350 years ago. They contain their stated amount of pure gold, plus small amounts of alloy. This creates harder coins that resist scratching and marring, which can diminish resale value.
Government Guarantee
What truly sets American Eagles apart is that they are the only bullion coins whose weight, content and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government. Investors can buy them with confidence, knowing the coins contain their stated amount of gold. In addition, long-term savers can include American Eagles in their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).
Investing in Gold
Ever since its discovery 5,000 years ago, gold has been treasured for its unmatched luster, beauty and intrinsic value. Today, gold continues to enjoy widespread appeal as an investment and storehouse of value. Gold is an internationally recognized monetary and financial asset held in reserve by major governments. It is so rare that all the gold ever mined could fit into a cube measuring just 20 yards on each side. Most importantly, gold can play a role in diversifying an investment portfolio, since it can move independently of stocks and bonds. What’s more, gold is a tangible asset – one whose beauty and artistry you can literally hold in your hands. When purchased in the form of legal tender bullion coins, gold can be affordable, as well as easy to buy and store. Americans purchase more American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins than any other gold coin. Produced by the United States Mint, Department of the Treasury, these coins are available in four denominations.
Easy to Buy and Sell
An important measure of any investment is its liquidity: How easy is it to resell? United States Government backing means that like the dollar, American Eagle Bullion Coins are accepted in major investment markets worldwide. They are also the most widely traded bullion coins in America, affording investors narrow spreads between buy and sell prices.
It’s easy to track the value of American Eagle Bullion Coins. Most major newspapers report the daily price of gold. An American Eagle’s value is based on the market price of its metal content, plus a small premium to cover coinage and distribution costs.
You can purchase American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins from most major coin and precious metals dealers, as well as brokerage houses and participating banks. Locate an authorized dealer. They are minted in four weights – 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce – to fit a variety of budgets. The smaller sizes also make affordable and thoughtful gifts.
For more information about American Eagle Bullion Coins call 1-888-USA-EAGLES Extension 9475.
Read MoreRead LessCharacteristics
Minted to exacting standards, the obverse (front) design is inspired by what's often considered one of America's most beautiful coins: Augustus Saint-Gaudens' celebrated $20 gold piece, minted from 1907-1933.The reverse design, by sculptor Miley Busiek, features a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings.
Obverse Inscriptions
- LIBERTY
- Year
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- IN GOD WE TRUST
Eagle Gold Coins For Sale
Artist Information
Obverse- Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
- Designer: Miley Frances Busiek