1989 American Gold Eagle
The 1989 Gold Eagle was the fourth year for the gold bullion and collectible gold coin series. Bullion coins continued to be available in a range of four denominations, each of which contained a different stated weight in 22 karat gold. Mintages for bullion 1 oz and 1/2 oz coins moderated from the prior year. Mintages for the 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz coins measured increases from the low levels of the prior year.
The US Mint produced a complete line of 1989 Proof Gold Eagle coins for coin collectors. This was the second year that all denominations were offered in proof version. Sales and resulting mintages showed declines for every denomination, particularly the 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz coins, which were experienced high mintages the prior year when they had been offered for the first time. The $50 Proof Gold Eagle (1 oz) was minted at the West Point mint and carries the “W” mint mark. The remaining denominations were minted at the Philadelphia Mint and carry the “P” mint mark.
During 1989, the price of gold spent much of the year below the $400 per ounce level. The price exceeded $400 for periods of time during January, November, and December. The average price of gold for the year was $381.44.
1989 Gold Eagle Specifications
Date: MCMLXXXIX (1989)
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W ($50 proof), P ($25, $10, $5 proof)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($10 Coin): 0.2727 troy oz (8.483 grams)
Diameter ($10 Coin): 0.866 inches (22.0 mm)
Thickness ($10 Coin): 0.070 inches (1.78 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)
1989 Gold Eagle Mintage
Bullion Mintage: 415,790 (1 oz), 44,829 (1/2 oz), 81,789 (1/4 oz), 264,790 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: 54,570 (1 oz), 44,798 (1/2 oz), 54,170 (1/4 oz) 84,647 (1/10 oz)
1989 Gold Eagles For Sale
