American Gold Eagle Coins

The American Gold Eagle was first issued in 1986 as the gold bullion coin of the United States of America. The coins were authorized by Congress, under the American Eagle Bullion Program, as a method for investors to conveniently and cost effectively purchase precious metals. The weight, content, and purity of of Gold Eagles are guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

The obverse design of the Gold Eagle is based on the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, introduced into circulation in 1907. The iconic Liberty figure is portrayed striding forward with a torch in her right hand and olive branch in her left. The reverse of the coin was designed by Miley Busiek and features a male eagle bringing an olive branch to a nest of eagle hatchlings and female eagle.

Bullion and Collectible Gold Eagles

Since the launch of the series, different versions of Gold Eagle coins have been offered for investors and collectors. Gold Eagle bullion coins carry a standard finish and are considered to be precious metals investment coins. These coins are not sold directly to the public, but are distributed through a network of authorized purchasers. This network provides efficient distribution as well as a two way market for the bullion coins.

Proof Gold Eagles have been offered for collectors since 1986. These coins undergo a specialized minting process, which includes multiple strikes with specially prepared dies to create a high quality finish. Proof coins generally display cameo properties, where raised elements of the design are frosted and the backgrounds are mirrored. In 2006 the US Mint issued a special reverse proof Gold Eagle, which features the opposite effect. From 2006 to 2008, the US Mint offered a collectible Uncirculated version of the Gold Eagle. These coins are struck on specially burnished blanks and carry the “W” mint mark.

Gold Eagle Denominations

American Gold Eagle Coins are offered in four different fractional weights. Each fractional weight carries a different denomination or legal tender face value.

  • 1 ounce: $50 face value
  • 1/2 ounce: $25 face value
  • 1/4 ounce: $10 face value
  • 1/10 ounce: $5 face value

All four denominations have been offered as bullion versions since the series was launched in 1986. Proof coins were initially only available in the 1 ounce size. In the second year of issue the 1/2 ounce size was added. In the third year, the remaining 1/4 and 1/10 ounce sizes were offered as proofs. The collectible uncirculated versions of the coins have been offered in all denominations from 2006 to 2008.

Composition and Specifications

Gold Eagles are struck with a durable composition of 22 karat gold. The composition is comprised of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. Coins are produced so that each fractional denomination contains the corresponding amount of gold.

The one ounce coin is 1.287 inches in diameter, has a weight of 1.0909 ounces, and contains on ounce of gold. The one-half ounce coin measures 1.063 inches in diameter, has a weight of 0.5455 ounces, and contains 0.5000 ounces of gold. The one-quarter ounce coin is 0.866 inches in diameter, weighs 0.2727 ounces, and contains 0.2500 ounces of gold. The one-tenth ounce coin is 0.650 inches, weighs 0.1091 ounces, and contains 0.100 ounces of gold.