The American Gold Eagle is an official gold bullion 22 karat coin (91,67% of gold) of the United States, produced by the US Mint. It has been minted yearly since 1986 in four sizes (1/10 troy ounce to 1 ounce), with face values from $5 to $10.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The American Gold Eagle is a popular bullion coin that was first introduced in 1986.
- The obverse design of the American Gold Eagle features a classic depiction of Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch (adapted from a 1907 design).
- The reverse design shows since 2021 a side profile of a bald eagle. Prior to that, the reverse was a family of nesting eagles in their natural habitat.
- Each denomination of the coin has a specific diameter, thickness, and weight, with face values ranging from $5 to $50. The coins are made of 22-karat gold and have a composition of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper.
Contents
Part 1: Introduction to the American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle is a highly sought-after coin for investors and collectors alike. Its design features beautiful depictions of American heritage. The coin is also a popular choice for those who want to diversify their investment portfolio. It is sold in various denominations, ranging from 1/10 troy ounce (t oz or just oz) to 1 oz. The weight and purity of each coin are guaranteed by the US government. The coins are legal tender in the United States, with their face values ($5 to $50). However, as the price of gold make the coins vastly more valuable than its face value, there is no real reason to pay with these coins at Walmart.
Five Facts of the American Gold Eagle
| Topic | Fact |
| Composition | The American Gold Eagle is made of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and the balance in copper. |
| Design | The coin’s design features a full-length figure of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a family of eagles on the reverse. |
| Sizes | The American Gold Eagle is available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. |
| Value | The value of the American Gold Eagle is determined by its gold content and the current market price of gold. |
| Minting | The American Gold Eagle is minted by the United States Mint, ensuring its quality and authenticity. |
Part 2: History of the American Gold Eagle
The Background of the coin began in 1986 when it was first created by the United States Mint as a bullion coin. This coin features the iconic “Walking Liberty” on the obverse and an eagle in flight on the reverse. The weight, content, and purity of the coin are guaranteed by the U.S. government. Read more the website of the US Mint.
Table of Main Events of the American Gold Eagle
| Year | Event |
| 1985 | The Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 is passed, authorizing the production of the American Gold Eagle. |
| 1986 | The United States Mint releases the first American Gold Eagle coins. |
| 1986 | The American Gold Eagle Proof coin, primarily aimed at collectors, is introduced. |
| 1992 | The United States Mint introduces the 1/2 oz Proof American Gold Eagle coin. |
| 2006 | The United States Mint begins producing burnished (uncirculated) versions of the American Gold Eagle. |
| 2021 | The United States Mint updates the reverse design of the American Gold Eagle, marking the first major design change since its inception. |
Over the years, several changes have been made to the design and minting process of the American Gold Eagle:
- In 1992 the US Mint switched from Roman numerals to Arabic numerals for dating the gold coin.
- In 2021 the reserve design was changed from a family of of eagles to a side profile of a bald eagle.
The American Gold Eagle continues to be a popular investment choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio with physical gold. Invest in Gold Eagle coins today to protect your wealth.
Part 3: Design of American Gold Eagle
The design of the American Gold Eagle is based on the $20 Double Eagle from Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The coin was minted from 1907 to 1933 at the Philadelphia Mint. It had 90% gold content, .96750 troy ounce and was struck.
The intricacies of the American Gold Eagle’s design are a testament to its beauty and value. From its detailed depiction of Lady Liberty to its symbolic portrayal of a nesting family of eagles (till 2021) and a side portrait of a bald eagle (since 2021), each aspect of the design is carefully crafted to represent the freedom and strength of the United States.
The table below showcases the different elements and specifications that make up the design of the American Eagle.
| Element | Specification |
| Obverse Side | Lady Liberty |
| Reverse Side | Family of eagles/ side portrait of a bald eagle |
| Denomination | $5, $10, $25, $50 |
| Weight | 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, 1 oz |
| Fineness | 91.67% Gold, 3% Silver, 5.33% Copper |
The use of copper and silver in addition to gold results in a more durable coin that resists wear and tear. Additionally, the coin’s face value, which is much lower than its actual worth, serves as a testament to the intrinsic value of gold itself.
The American Gold Eagle was created by the United States Mint and authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985.
American Gold Eagle Type 1 vs Type 2
In 2021 two versions of the American Ragle were minted:
- Type 1 which has the old reverse design of a family of eagles in their natural habitat.
- Type 2 depicts a side portrait of the bald eagle with a detailed view of its peak, eyes and feathers. From this year on, this is the new design of the reverse side.
Part 4: Specifications of the American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle coin is a popular and highly valued investment asset for many individuals worldwide. This article provides insights into the specifications of this coin, including its size, weight, and purity.
To begin with, the American Gold Eagle coin has an official weight of one troy ounce, a diameter of 32.7mm and a thickness of 2.87mm, making it a standard size coin.
In terms of design, the coin features a front-facing image of Lady Liberty, and on the reverse side, it carries a depiction of a family of bald eagles and since 2021 a side portrait of bald eagles.
Composition of the American Gold Eagle
This particular coin is comprised of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. The use of silver and copper in the alloy improves the durability of the coin by making it more resistant to scratches and dents.
| Composition | Percentage |
| Gold | 91.67% |
| Silver | 3% |
| Copper | 5.33% |
The American Eagle is also available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 1/10 oz. to 1 oz. The purity of the gold used to create the coin is guaranteed by the federal government, with each piece bearing the mark of its weight and purity.
Value of the American Gold Eagle
Gold being a universal symbol of wealth and prosperity, the American Gold Eagle is no exception. The value of American Eagle has a significant impact on investment portfolios, real estate investments, and the global market.
| Coin Type | Face Value | Gold Content | Weight |
| 1 oz | $50 | 1 troy oz | 1.0909 troy oz |
| 1/2 oz | $25 | 0.5 troy oz | 0.5454 troy oz |
| 1/4 oz | $10 | 0.25 troy oz | 0.2727 troy oz |
| 1/10 oz | $5 | 0.10 troy oz | 0.1091 troy oz |
Different Mintages of Gold Eagle
The coin has been minted as bullion, proof and uncirculated mintage:
- As a bullion it has been continuously minted since 1986 in all sized.
- As a poof, it was minted in 1986 only as one ounce. In 1987 ½ ounce was added and since 1988 all for sizes have been minted. With the only exception in 2009 were no proof mintage was produced.
- Since 2006 also uncirculated mintage was produced. However, in most years only the one troy ounce size.
Part 5: American Gold Eagle vs Krugerrand
Both the American Gold Eagle and the South African Krugerrand are popular gold bullion coins that investors and collectors alike consider for their portfolios. The key differences lie in their design, gold content, and legal tender status.
- Design: The American Gold Eagle features a design adapted from Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ full-length figure of Lady Liberty, with her hair flowing against a backdrop of a rising sun. The reverse side features a male bald eagle carrying an olive branch flying to his nest, where a female awaits with her young. The Krugerrand, on the other hand, features a springbok antelope, a national symbol of South Africa, on one side, with a portrait of Paul Kruger, South Africa’s first and only president, on the other.
- Gold Content and Purity: The Gold Eagle is 22-karat gold, which is about 91.67% pure gold mixed with a small amount of silver and copper for durability. On the other hand, the Krugerrand is also 22-karat gold, but it contains exactly one ounce of pure gold, and the total weight of the coin is 1.0909 ounces.
- Legal Tender Status: The American Gold Eagle has a face value and is considered legal tender in the United States, backed by the US government for its weight and content. This isn’t necessarily important for investors, as the gold content and global recognition are more relevant. The Krugerrand, while widely recognized and trusted, does not have a face value and is not legal tender.
- Market and Availability: Both coins are widely available, but the Krugerrand was the first gold bullion coin on the market, first minted in 1967, and has a longer history of recognition among investors. The American Gold Eagle, first minted in 1986, has gained significant popularity, especially among American investors.
- Variety: The Gold Eagle is available in several sizes: 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 ounce. The Krugerrand used to be only available in 1-ounce size, but now it’s available in different sizes such as 1/2, 1/4, and 1/10 ounces.
In conclusion, both the American Gold Eagle and the South African Krugerrand are excellent choices for gold investment. The best choice for you would depend on your personal preference, investment goals, and where you plan to buy or sell your gold. Always consult with a financial advisor or trusted coin dealer when making investment decisions.
FAQs
What is the American Gold Eagle?
The American Gold Eagle is an official gold bullion coin of the United States, authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and first released by the United States Mint in 1986. It is a guaranteed coin by the U.S. government, containing a stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces.
What is the purity of the American Gold Eagle?
The American Gold Eagle is composed of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper, making it a 22-karat gold alloy. This alloy, traditionally referred to as 'crown gold', had not been used in U.S. coins since 1834 before its use in the American Gold Eagle.
What is the history behind the design of the American Gold Eagle?
The obverse design of the American Gold Eagle features a rendition of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' full-length figure of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, with the Capitol building in the left background. The design is taken from the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin, which was commissioned by Theodore Roosevelt to create coins like the ancient Greek and Roman coins. The original reverse design from 1986 to 2021 was by Miley Busiek Frost and featured a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her eaglet. The new reverse design, introduced in 2021, features a close-up head portrait of an eagle de-signed by Jennie Norris and sculpted by Renata Gordon.
What are the denominations and specifications of the Ameri-can Gold Eagle?
The American Gold Eagle is offered in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz denominations, with each coin guaranteed by the U.S. government to contain the stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces. The coins have face values of $5, $10, $25, and $50, with the 1/4 oz coin having a marked face value of ten dollars. The coins are also specified with their diameter, thickness, and gross weight.
What is the market value of the American Gold Eagle?
The market value of the American Gold Eagle is generally equal to the market value of its gold content, not its face value. The actual selling price varies based on the spot price of gold. These coins are often held as collectibles rather than money and are subject to a high capital gains tax rate unless held in an individual retirement account (applicable for the US).
What is the production process of the American Gold Eagle?
The American Gold Eagle is produced by the United States Mint, with standard bullion, proof, and uncirculated versions available. Proof and uncirculated versions carry the Mint's mark ('W') beneath the date and are produced exclusively at the West Point Mint. The gold used in these coins is sourced from within the United States and alloyed with silver and copper to increase the coins' wear-resistance.
What is the difference between type 1 and type 2?
In 2021 two versions of the American gold eagle were minted: Type 1 which has the old reverse design of a family of eagles in their natural habitat. Type 2 depicts a side portrait of the bald eagle with a detailed view of its peak, eyes and feathers