Gold Eagle Coins

American Gold Eagle coins are the official gold coin of the United States since 1986 and are legal tender. These stunning gold coins are an American icon globally, proudly displaying the nation’s most iconic symbols, from the national emblem of the American Bald Eagle to Lady Liberty striding towards freedom, as a reminder of the majesty, longevity, and strength of the United States. Authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 to compete with world bullion coins such as the Canadian Maple Leaf, the South African Krugerrand, and others. Today, the American Eagle gold coin is a leading gold bullion Internationally and is one of the most popular choices with stackers and collectors around the world.

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If you want to learn more about the American Gold Eagle series and how to start collecting it, be sure to check out our complete guide!

The Gold Eagle Series

American Gold Eagles are minted annually since 1986, in four weight denominations struck with several finishes. Besides the standard bullion coin, other versions include proof, burnished uncirculated, and reverse proof coins.

The Gold Eagle Series

American Gold Eagle coins are the official gold coin of the United States since 1986 and are legal tender. These stunning gold coins are an American icon globally, proudly displaying the nation’s most iconic symbols, from the national emblem of the American Bald Eagle to Lady Liberty striding towards freedom, as a reminder of the majesty, longevity, and strength of the United States. Authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 to compete with world bullion coins such as the Canadian Maple Leaf, the South African Krugerrand, and others. Today, the American Eagle gold coin is a leading gold bullion Internationally and is one of the most popular choices with stackers and collectors around the world.

How many denominations do Gold Eagles come in?

American Gold Eagles come in four denominations with face values issued in U.S Dollars by weight. The for weights are:

  1. one ounce (1 oz.) size with a face value of $50 and weighing a hefty 33.931 grams;
  2. half-ounce (1/2 oz.), with a face value of $25, weighing 16.966 grams;
  3. quarter ounce (1/4 oz.) with a face value of $10 weighing 8.483 grams; 
  4. and a one-tenth ounce (1/10 oz.) with a face value of $5 and weighing 3.93 grams.

Something to also keep in mind is that the face value (the literal value of what is printed, stamped, or written on the coin) is not necessarily the best way to determine a coin’s worth, especially with the varying amounts of gold in each coin. The worth of a gold coin takes into account a variety of different factors such as:

  • Melt value (the base worth of the metal contained in the coin)
  • Historic value
  • Aesthetic features
  • Mint year
  • Grade or condition of the coin
  • Scarcity or rarity
  • Collectability

Is the American Eagle Coin Pure Gold?

Golden eagle coins are not quite pure gold, but they do have a large amount of gold within them. Each gold coin contains 91.67% gold (22 karats), and contains an alloy of 3% silver and 5.33% copper to help increase the solidity and scratch-resistance of the coins. By law, each coin is guaranteed to contain an exact quantity of gold, which is mined exclusively in the United States from newly mined sources in America, and to meet the rigid quality standards of the U.S. Mint. In addition to other factors, the e market value of these gold coins is tied to the value of their gold content, not face value, and it fluctuates with market forces based on the current spot price of gold. However, there is a strong market for collector versions and low mintages, which carry a higher premium than their bullion counterparts.

1 Oz. Gold Eagles

The 1 oz., $50-denomination American Gold Eagle is one of the most widely traded and collected sizes in the American Gold Eagles series, in part because they contain 1 troy ounce of 22-karat gold, making it relatively easy to determine the value of a coin based on gold spot prices. When the American Gold Eagle Program started back in 1986, not many anticipated that gold enthusiasts would take a keen interest in collecting by obtaining coins by date, mint mark, finish, and quality. The two top-tier grading companies, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), grade American Gold Eagles on a 70 point sales, with 70 being an absolutely perfect coin.  The U.S. Mint makes collector proof and uncirculated versions for coin collectors. The one oz. gold eagle proof and one oz. burnished gold American Eagles are beloved and often collected in their respective proof and mint state grades. In recent years, these coins have been  produced at the West Point Mint in West Point and carry the mint's “W” mark beneath the date.

Bullion American Eagle gold coins have a U.S. Government guarantee. The gold bullion precious metal content, purity, and weight is guaranteed by the U.S. Government. If you are interested in American Gold Eagles, be sure to check out our 2022 One Ounce Gold Eagle and 2023 One Ounce Gold Eagle inventory.

Purchase 1 oz. Gold Eagles

1/2 Oz. Gold Eagles

The half-ounce American Gold Eagle coin is the U.S. Mint official 1/2 oz. bullion coin that is generally popular with collectors around the world. It is half the size and weight as the iconic once-ounce American Gold Eagle and is an easy and relatively affordable way to enjoy all the benefits of collecting gold. With a historic iconic design and 1/2 oz. of gold, it combines the best aspects of collecting and the appeal of bullion. The half-ounce American Gold Eagle has all the appeal of the larger one-ounce coin, but at a lower price point, so more people have the opportunity to  enjoy its widely popular design.

The market value of 1/2 oz. Gold Eagles are tied to the value of the gold content, not their face value, and it fluctuates with market forces based on the current spot price of gold. However, there is a market for collector versions and low mintages, which tend to carry a higher premium than their bullion counterparts.

Since they are available in four denominations, in several finish varieties, spanning the last 35 years, they sell at a variety of price points. The smaller fractional sizes, like the half oz. gold eagle coin, represent a great entry-level coin for almost any budget and make relatively affordable, thoughtful gifts that will always be kept and cherished for generations to come.

Purchase 1/2 Oz. Gold Eagles

1/4 Oz. Gold Eagles

The quarter-ounce American Gold Eagle coin is the U.S. Mint’s official 1/4 oz. bullion coin. Just like the 1 oz. American Gold Eagle coins, the quarter-ounce American Gold Eagle strikes the perfect balance between a collectible, and a tangible piece of precious metal. It is quarter the size and weight of the iconic once-ounce American Gold Eagle and is an easy and often affordable way to enjoy all the benefits of collecting gold.

At a lower price point, the quarter-ounce American Gold Eagle coin allows for more people to enjoy this widely popular American design. These iconic American gold coins are graded, certified and available in proof and mint grade conditions from NGC and PCGS. With a wide variety of special holders, each quarter-ounce American Gold Eagle coin can be purchased individually or in quantity with ¼ oz gold eagle coin rolls.

Like all of its Gold Eagle counterparts, the quarter-ounce Gold Eagle coin has a specific face value, but due to the coin not being minted for general circulation, it’s overall value is tied to the gold content and not necessarily the denomination on its face, causing the price to fluctuate with market forces based on the current spot price of gold. Regardless, these gold coins can be  perfect additions to any numismatist’s collection.

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1/10 Oz. Gold Eagles

The 1/10 oz. Gold Eagle coin is the smallest of the four American Gold Eagle coins, and many see it as an easy and affordable way for many types of people with various budgets to enjoy all the benefits of collecting gold. Today, the American Eagle gold coin is a leading gold bullion Internationally and is one of the most popular choices with stackers and collectors around the world. Minted annually since 1986, there are several popular versions and four different weights. Besides the standard bullion coin, versions include proof, burnished uncirculated, and reverse proof coins.  The one-tenth ounce (1/10 oz) has a face value of $5 and weighs 3.93 grams.  Each gold coin contains 91.67% gold (22 karats), and contains an alloy of 3% silver and 5.33% copper to help increase the stability and scratch-resistance of the coins. By law, each coin is guaranteed to contain an exact quantity of gold mined exclusively from the U.S. 

Purchase 1/10 oz. Gold Eagles

Gold Eagle Obverse Type-1 Design

In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt wanted to elevate America’s coinage into works of art. He hired renowned artist and sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens to create his final masterpiece just before his death. The St. Gaudens $20 Double Eagle became known as “The Most Beautiful Coin in the World.”

 

The obverse of the American Gold Eagle features the St. Gaudens iconic Lady Liberty’s full-length figure striding forward confidently from the rays of the rising sun and the nation’s capital dome, with her hair and robe flowing freely in the breeze. Her right holds the touch of freedom to light the way, while holding an olive branch in her left hand signifying peace. Surrounded by 50 stars to signify the 50 United States with the inscription “LIBERTY” at the top and both the date of issue and mint mark in the lower right.

American Gold Eagle Obverse Type 1 American Gold Eagle Obverse Type 1

Gold Eagle Reverse Type-1 Design

The reverse side features the namesake of the coin, American Eagles.  Designed by the American sculptor, then Miley Busiek, now Miley Tucker-Frost, in 1986. A family of bald eagles in a nest is the focal image, with the male bald eagle soaring above the nest clutching an olive branch in its talons. The female eagle awaits with her young, vigilantly standing guard over the young hatchlings in the nest with her wings protectively encircling two eaglets, representing the strength and importance of families. The reverse inscriptions read, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” at the top of the coin.

The Mottos, “IN GOD WE TRUST,’ is on the right, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM, Latin for “out of many, one,” is on the left.  The coin specifications are at the bottom with the face value and weight of the coin. This combination of a classic and modern coin design has proven to be a winner. Since its release in 1986, the American Gold Eagle instantly became one of the most popular gold coins in the world, and has retained this original, iconic design for over 32 years.

American Gold Eagle Reverse Type 1 American Gold Eagle Reverse Type 1

The Gold Eagle Type-2 Design 

Since 1986 the iconic "Family of Eagles" design has appeared on the reverse of the American Gold Eagle series, creating a tradition that thrilled collectors for over 30 years. 2021 marks the 35th anniversary of the beloved series and the very first year that the original reverse design will transition to a brand-new design created by Jennie Norris, a member of the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP).

Early 2021 issues featured the original, "Type-1" Family of Eagles reverse, while the new, "Type-2" Eagle  Profile reverse design debuts in mid-2021, giving collectors the unique opportunity to own two 2021-dated Gold Eagles, each bearing a different numismatic design.

The new Gold Eagle reverse portrays an up-close profile of the head of an American Bald Eagle rendered with a fierce gaze and an extraordinary amount of detail, leading to a very realistic rendering of the national bird. Norris leaned upon her previous experience as a raptor handler to capture the features of the fearsome bird of prey.  

 

The series iconic obverse design also received some updates in 2021 as the United States Mint turned to their original historical assets to render a closer reflection of Saint-Gauden’s original vision and detail. Legacy details have been restored to the obverse, including modifications to the Capitol Building, stars , torch, and other design elements, based upon the original bronze cast!

2021 American Gold Eagle Reverse Type 22021 American Gold Eagle Reverse Type 2

Collecting Gold Eagles

When the American Gold Eagle Program started back in 1986, no one anticipated that gold investors would take a keen interest in collecting by obtaining coins by:

  • Date
  • Mintmark
  • Finish
  • Quality

The two top-tier grading companies, Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), and the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), grade American Gold Eagles on a 70 point sales, with 70 being an absolutely perfect coin.  Gold eagle proof and burnished gold American Eagles are highly coveted and collected in proof and mint state grades. The United States Mint produces proof and uncirculated options for numismatic enthusiasts. 

The Proof Gold Eagle

Produced at the West Point Mint since 1994, each coin bears the “W” Mint mark under the date.  Proof American Gold Eagles are considered among the U.S. Mint’s finest minted collectible coins, and are an excellent addition to any coin collection. The Proof Gold Eagle is often considered one of the most attractive Gold coins in production, and are struck on particularly prepared planchets more than once to provide an exceptional and intense proof mirrored finish that is attractive to collectors.

The Burnished Gold American Eagle

The Burnished (uncirculated) American Gold Eagle is minted in a similar process as proof coins, using polished planchets (blanks), that gives these coins a frosted finish with a 3D-like appearance of the design floating above the contrast of the soft matte-like finish.

Gold Eagles for Sale at GovMint.com

When you buy Gold American Eagles at GovMint.com you can rest assured that you are buying authentic United States coinage. We offer free shipping on orders of $149 or more and have a 30-day return policy for all non-bullion items. You can view our return policy here. Browse our website GovMint.com or call 1-800-642-9160 to see how Gold Eagle Coins can enhance your coin collection today.

meet the signers behind the 2021 type 2 american gold and silver eagle reverse designsmeet the signers behind the 2021 type 2 american gold and silver eagle reverse designs
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