NGC American Gold Eagle

In addition to precious metals investment, there is a demand for American Gold Eagles as collectibles. This may take the form of purchasing the limited mintage collectible versions of the coin produced by the US Mint. It may also take the form assembling sets of high grade PCGS and NGC Gold Eagles.

These third party coin grading firms accept submissions of coins from dealers or collectors. They will verify the authenticity and evaluate each coin to determine a numeric grade. The coins will be encapsulated in a numbered holder which attest to the authenticity and grade of the coins.

Although nearly all American Gold Eagles exist in uncirculated grades, attaining perfect grades can often be difficult. This is especially true for bullion coins, which are not minted and handled with the special procedures afforded to the collectible proof and uncirculated coins. The highest grades awarded by NGC are NGC MS 70 for bullion and collectible uncirculated coins or NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo for proof coins. The highest grades that PCGS will award are PCGS MS70 for bullion and uncirculated coins and PCGS PR70DCAM for proof coins.

Some collectors seek to assemble PCGS or NGC American Gold Eagle collections in the highest grades possible. The scope of the collection can be narrowed by focusing on bullion coins, proof coins, or collectible uncirculated coins. Collectors can also focus on a single denomination, either one-tenth ounce, one-quarter ounce, one-half ounce, or one ounce coins.

PCGS Gold Eagles For Sale

NGC Gold Eagles For Sale

Producing proof coins involves a special process during which coins are struck multiple times with special dies. This produces coins with sharp details and a cameo like appearance. The raised design elements appear frosted, while the background elements are mirrored. This gives the appearance of the design floating on liquid like fields.

Proof American Gold Eagle Coins are sold directly by the United States Mint to collectors, priced at a higher premium to each coins gold value, as compared to the prices of regular bullion coins. Proof Gold Eagles are sealed in protective capsules and placed within presentation boxes with an official certificate of authenticity from the United States Mint.

In 1986, the US Mint only produced one ounce Proof Gold Eagles. In the following year, they also produced a one-half ounce proof coin, and sold a Two Coin Set. The following year, they would add the remaining fractional weights to the product line up, and sell a packaged Four Coin Set. Each year from 1988 to 2008, the US Mint sold the four individual options and the Four Coin Set. In 2009, the offerings were canceled, as the US Mint diverted all incoming gold blanks to the production of bullion coins.

All one ounce Proof Gold Eagles have been produced at the West Point Mint. The fractional weight Proof Gold Eagles were initially produced at the Philadelphia Mint. This took place from 1987 to 1993. After that date, the fractional weight proof coins were struck at the West Point facility.

Proof Gold Eagles For Sale

2010 American Gold Eagle

The 2010 Gold Eagle faces another year of heightened demand for precious metals bullion coins and ongoing supply issues of the United States Mint. The bullion version of the coin was offered after a brief delay starting on January 19, 2010, and the status of the collectible uncircualted and proof coins will be contingent upon the US Mint’s ability to satisfy the public demand for bullion coins.

The delayed release of 2010 Gold Eagles was the consequence of a resurgence in demand for gold bullion coins which occurred in November 2009. Typically, the US Mint will begin producing coins bearing the following year’s date around this time, allowing them to take orders in December for delivery in early January. Amidst heavy demand, the Mint decided to continue production of 2009-dated coins through year end, delaying the production and release of 2010-dated coins.

Around the same time, the US Mint’s inventory of 2009 Gold Eagles was depleted forcing them to suspend sales. When sales resumed, the Mint reinstated its allocation program, which limits the number of bullion coins that may be ordered at the authorized purchaser level. This allocation program continued when sales of the 2010 Gold Eagles began.

The use of the allocation program has implications for the collectible 2010 Proof Gold Eagles and 2010-W Uncirculated Gold Eagles. In the prior year, the US Mint had canceled production of these popular collector coins because they were unable to meet full demand for the bullion version of the coin. As long as the rationing program remains in place, it is an indication that the US Mint is not meeting public demand, creating an impasse for the collector coins.

2010 Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: 2010
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (proof and uncirculated)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($50 Coin): 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 grams)
Diameter ($50 Coin): 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness ($50 Coin): 0.113 inches (2.87 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

2010 Gold Eagle Mintage

Bullion Mintage: TBD
Proof Mintage: TBD
Burnished Mintage: TBD

2006 20th Anniversary American Gold Eagle Set

The 20th Anniversary Gold Eagle Set was issued by the US Mint to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the popular gold bullion and collector coin. Each set contained three coins: the 2006-W Proof Gold Eagle, the 2006-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle, and the 2006-W Reverse Proof Gold Eagle.

The collectible proof and uncirculated coins contained in the set were available in other US Mint product offerings, but the 2006-W Reverse Proof Gold Eagle was unique to the set. It was also the first time that the US Mint had used this type of finish. The raised design elements of the coin are mirrored and the background fields are frosted. This is the reverse of the typical cameo proof finish.

The 20th Anniversary Gold Eagle Sets went on sale at the United States Mint on August 30, 2006. They were priced at $2,610 with an ordering limit of ten sets per household and a maximum production of 10,000. After approximately one month, the sets sold out and began to sell for premiums on the secondary market.

Separately, the US Mint offered the 20th Anniversary Gold and Silver Eagle Set. This set contained the one ounce 2006-W Uncirculated Silver Eagle and one ounce 2006-W Uncircualted Gold Eagle. This set was priced at $850, with a maximum production of 20,000, and limited to ten sets per household. The entire maximum production was sold.

The major third party coin grading firms PCGS and NGC attributed coins from these sets as “20th Anniversary” as long as the customer submitted the coins in the unopened shipping box.

20th Anniversary Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: 2006
Mint Mark: W
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight: 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 grams)
Diameter: 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness: 0.113 inches (2.87 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

20th Anniversary Set Mintages

Gold 3 Coin Set : 10,000
Gold and Silver 2 Coin Set: 20,000

20th Anniversary Gold Eagle Sets For Sale

1990 American Gold Eagle

The 1990 Gold Eagle bullion coins saw the patten of mintage declines continue. Since the American Gold Eagle had fist been offered in 1986, the sales for the coins experienced consecutive declines for the first six years before levels started to stabilize. As in prior years, US Mint offered the bullion coins in different weights which each carried a different denomination. The one ounce coin had a face value of $50, the one-half ounce coin had a face value of $25, the one-quarter ounce coin had a face value of $10, and the one-tenth ounce coin had a face value of $5.

Once again, the US Mint offered the 1990 Proof Gold Eagle for collectors. These coins were produced across the full range of fractional weights. The one ounce coins were minted at the West Point Mint and carried the “W” mint mark. The fractional weight coins were minted in Philadelphia and carried the “P” mint mark. The proof coin mintages actually showed an uptick from the prior year levels. Coins were offered for sale individually, or as part of a 4 Coin Proof Set.

During 1990, the price of gold ranged from a low of $345.85 to a high of $416.83. The cumulative average price of gold for 1990 was $383.51 per ounce. Gold closed the year with a value of $392.75 per ounce.

1990 Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: MCMXC (1990)
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (one ounce proof), P (fractional 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 m)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

1990 Gold Eagle Mintage

Bullion Mintage: 373,210 (1 oz), 31,000 (1/2 oz), 41,000 (1/4 oz), 210,210 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: 62,401 (1 oz), 51,636 (1/2 oz), 62,674 (1/4 oz), 99,349 (1/10 oz)

1990 Gold Eagles For Sale

1987 American Gold Eagle

The 1987 Gold Eagle was second year of release for the new gold bullion coin. This year the bullion coins were available continuously throughout the year. In the prior year, the coins had only been available for the final three months. Despite a longer sales period, sales of the 1987 Gold Eagle bullion coins could not reach the high levels achieved in the prior year. Once again, the US Mint produced a full range of fractional weights to accomodate different investment sizes.

The 1987 Proof Gold Eagle saw its offerings expanded from the prior year. Instead of just offering the one ounce coin, this year the US Mint also produced the one-half ounce coin in proof version. In the following year, the range of Proof Gold Eagles would be expanded to cover all fractional denominations. For 1987, the one ounce proof coin carried the “W” mint mark for West Point, while the one-half ounce proof coin carried the “P” mint mark for Philadelphia.

During 1987, the price of gold moved steadily upwards. It began the year at $403.50 and closed the year at $484.10. In December the price of gold reached a high of $499.75.

1987 Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: MCMLXXXVII (1986)
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (one ounce proof), P (one-half ounce proof)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($50 Coin): 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 grams)
Diameter ($50 Coin): 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness ($50 Coin): 0.113 inches (2.87 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

1987 Gold Eagle Mintage

Bullion Mintage: 1,045,500 (1 oz), 131,255 (1/2 oz), 269,255 (1/4 oz), 580,266 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: 147,498 (1 oz), 143,398 (1/2 oz)

1987 Gold Eagles For Sale

1986 American Gold Eagle

The 1986 Gold Eagle was the inaugural year of the new gold bullion coin series produced by the United States Mint. Even though sales of the bullion coins did not begin until October 1986, the annual total for the year remained the highest on record until 1998. The bullion coins were offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz sizes.

The biggest sellers were the largest and smallest sizes, demonstrating the variety of buyers across investment levels. The high level of sales was attributed to pent up demand for gold bullion. Prior to release, it had been difficult for most Americans to make investments in physical precious metals.

The US Mint offered the 1986 Proof Gold Eagle for collectors. The proof version of the coin carried the “W” mint mark to denote mintage at the West Point Mint. The coin was only offered in one ounce size and sold 446,290 coins. This represents the all time high for the Proof American Gold Eagle sales, which remains to this day. No fractional size Proof Gold Eagles were offered by the US Mint this year.

During 1986, the price of gold started the year at a low of $326.30 per ounce. It closed the year at $396.13 after trading as high as $438 in September. The price of gold had spiked just prior to the release of the new American Gold Eagle bullion coins.

1986 Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: MCMLXXXVI (1986)
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (proof)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($50 Coin): 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 grams)
Diameter ($50 Coin): 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness ($50 Coin): 0.113 inches (2.87 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

1986 Gold Eagle Mintage

Bullion Mintage: 1,362,650 (1 oz), 599,566 (1/2 oz), 726,031 (1/4 oz), 912,609 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: 446,290 (1 oz)

1986 Gold Eagles For Sale

2009 American Gold Eagle

The 2009 Gold Eagle had its product options significantly curtailed from the previous year. Strong worldwide demand for precious metals created sourcing problems for the United States Mint that impacted both bullion and collectible coin offerings.

The United States Mint offered the one ounce version of the bullion coin throughout most of the year. The offering was subject to order rationing from the beginning of year until June 15, and then once again from December 15 through the end of the year following a brief suspension. The fractional weight 2009 Gold Eagle coins were available briefly during the month of December when the US Mint offered a limited quantity of 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz coins.

In October, the US Mint announced the cancellation of the the planned collectible versions of the 2009 American Gold Eagle. Collectors had been expecting one ounce 2009-W Uncirculated Gold Eagles and a full range of 2009 Proof Gold Eagles.

The US Mint cited their legal requirement to produce Gold Eagle bullion coins in quantities sufficient to meet public demand and the lack of a legal mandate to produce collector coins. In accordance with their interpretation of the law, the US Mint continued to source all available 22 karat gold blanks to the production of bullion coins. They stated their intention to work with precious metals blank suppliers to acquire sufficient inventory to produce collector coins for the following year.

2009 Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: 2009
Mint Mark: none (bullion)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($50 Coin): 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 grams)
Diameter ($50 Coin): 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness ($50 Coin): 0.113 inches (2.87 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

2009 Gold Eagle Mintage

Bullion Mintage (coins sold during the year): 1,315,500 (1 oz), 110,000 (1/2 oz), 110,000 (1/4 oz), 270,000 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: not issued
Burnished Mintage: not issued

2009 Gold Eagles For Sale

2008 American Gold Eagle

The 2008 Gold Eagle was released during tumultuous times. Global financial troubles caused a renewed interest in gold that had implications for the sales of Gold Eagle bullion coins, as well as collector coins.

For approximately the first six months of the year, 2008 Gold Eagle bullion coins sold around the typical levels of the past several years. Starting in July, sales began to increase dramatically until the US Mint was forced to suspend sales of the gold bullion coins in August 2008. Sales resumed two weeks later on a rationed basis. Despite the suspension and rationing,  sales had exceeded 800,000 ounces across all denominations by year end.

The 2008 Proof Gold Eagle was offered for sale at a time when the price of gold was high. In the following weeks, the price of gold dropped, but the coin prices were not updated. As a result, the coins remained on sale at high premiums, which kept buyers wary of making purchases. Towards the end of the year, prices were finally adjusted downwards and the remaining coins sold out quickly. The slow sales period in the early release period resulted in low mintage for the various 2008 Proof Gold Eagles.

The US Mint also offered the 2008-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle. These were the newly introduced collectible uncirculated coins, carrying the “W” mint mark. The pricing situation was similar to the proof coins with a slow early sales period. The uncirculated coins eventually sold out in January 2009, with final mintages that set new lows. In particular, the 2008-W $10 Gold Eagle had a mintage of 8,883, making it the lowest mintage Gold Eagle across all options for the entire series.

During 2008, the price of gold ranged from a low of $712.50 to an all time high of $1,011.25 per ounce. Gold reached its high in March before several sharp declines brought the price to its low in October. Gold recovered to close the year at $880.25 per ounce, representing a slight gain for the year.

2008 Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: 2008
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (proof and uncirculated)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($25 Coin): 0.5454 troy oz (16.965 grams)
Diameter ($25 Coin): 1.063 inches (27.0 mm)
Thickness ($25 Coin): 0.085 inches (2.15 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

2008 Gold Eagle Mintage

Bullion Mintage: 710,000 (1 oz), 61,000 (1/2 oz), 70,000 (1/4 oz), 305,000 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: 30,237 (1 oz), 22,602 (1/2 oz), 18,877 (1/4 oz), 28,116 (1/10 oz)
Burnished Mintage: 11,908 (1 oz), 15,682 (1/2 oz), 8,883 (1/4 oz), 12,657 (1/10 oz)

2008 Gold Eagles For Sale

2007 American Gold Eagle

The 2007 Gold Eagle experienced a very sharp decrease in mintage compared to the prior several years. The one ounce and one-quarter ounce bullion coins experienced their lowest mintages for bullion coins of the same denomination for the entire series. The one-half and one-tenth ounce bullion coins low mintage levels not seen for ten years or more.

The United States Mint offered two different lines of collectible versions of the coin. The 2007-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle coins were struck on specially burnished blanks and carried the “W” mint mark. The 2007 Poof Gold Eagle coin were specially produced to have a cameo finish with frosted raised elements and mirrored background fields. The Proof and Uncirculated coins were offered as individual 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz coins, or as 4 Coin Sets. The proof coins went on sale February 5, and the uncirculated coins went on sale May 23. Prices were adjusted during the year in response to an increase in the price of gold.

During 2007, the price of gold rose from $639.75 to close the year at $833.75. Most of the gains came towards the second half of the year.

2007 Gold Eagle Specifications

Date: 2007
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (proof and uncirculated)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($25 Coin): 0.5454 troy oz (16.965 grams)
Diameter ($25 Coin): 1.063 inches (27.0 mm)
Thickness ($25 Coin): 0.085 inches (2.15 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)

2007 Gold Eagle Mintage

Bullion Mintage: 140,016 (1 oz), 47,002 (1/2 oz), 34,004 (1/4 oz), 190,010 (1/10 oz)
Proof Mintage: 51,810 (1 oz), 44,025 (1/2 oz), 46,189 (1/4 oz), 58,553 (1/10 oz)
Burnished Mintage: 18,066 (1 oz), 11,455 (1/2 oz), 12,766 (1/4 oz), 22,501 (1/10 oz)

2007 Gold Eagles For Sale