Background
The U.S. Mint produces American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins in four weights: one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce. The coins are 22-karat gold, plus small amounts of alloy. This creates harder coins that resist scratching and marring, which can diminish resale value. Bullion coins are coins whose weight, content and purity are guaranteed by the United States government. They can also be included in an IRA.
The obverse design of the American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins is inspired by Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ celebrated $20 gold piece, the “Double Eagle.” It was minted from 1907-1933 and is often considered one of America’s most beautiful coins. In 2021, the U.S. Mint marked the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program with a refreshed design. The Mint used historical assets such as the original bronze cast to closer reflect Saint-Gaudens’ original vision. The refresh includes modifications to the Capitol Building, stars, torch, sun rays, and other design elements.
Since 2021, the reverse shows a portrait of an eagle. To give the new coins an added level of security, they have also been updated with enhanced security features, including a reeded edge variation.
From 1986 to 2021, the reverse, by sculptor Miley Busiek, depicted an eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a second eagle and hatchlings.
The U.S. Mint does not sell bullion coins directly to the public. Learn more about buying gold bullion coins. Prices are based on the market price of gold, which fluctuates daily.
Characteristics
The obverse 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.
The reverse shows, since 2021, a portrait of an eagle.
Obverse Inscriptions
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- IN GOD WE TRUST
Specifications
Composition is 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper with a reeded edge.
Weight and diameter differs between the one, half, quarter, and tenth ounce sizes.
- The one ounce coin, $50 face value, is 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) in diameter, contains one gold troy ounce and weighs 1.0909 troy ounces (33.931 g).
- The one-half ounce coin, $25 face value, is 1.063 inches (27.00 mm) in diameter, contains 0.5000 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.5455 troy ounce (16.966 g).
- The one-quarter ounce coin, $10 face value, is 0.866 inch (22.00 mm) in diameter, contains 0.2500 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.2727 troy ounce (8.483 g).
- The one-tenth ounce coin, $5 face value, is 0.650 inch (16.50 mm) in diameter, contains 0.1000 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.1091 troy ounce (3.393 g).
Bullion coins don't feature a mint mark.
Artist Information
Obverse- Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Reverse Related Information
Content last reviewed March 29, 2024
FAQs
Gold American Eagle coins are highly valuable for their size: the resale value of a 1/10 oz Gold American Eagle Coin is approximately $143 at the time of publication.
Can you buy gold eagles from the U.S. Mint? ›
Mint does not sell bullion coins directly to the public. Learn more about buying gold bullion coins. Prices are based on the market price of gold, which fluctuates daily.
Are American Eagle gold coins 100% gold? ›
All American Eagle Gold Proof Coins contain 91.67 percent (22-karat) gold. The gold weight and diameter will vary with each coin denomination, as specified below. The coins are minted at the U.S. Mint at West Point bearing the “W” mint mark.
How much is a gold eagle coin worth today? ›
What is the current value of a one ounce Gold American Eagle coin? The current ask purchase price for a one ounce American Gold Eagle is: $2,505.90 and the current Monex bid selling price for one ounce Gold Eagle coin is: $2,419.70.
Do banks sell Gold Eagle coins? ›
Banks usually avoid selling precious metals because of their price fluctuations.
How much is 1 oz of gold coin worth? ›
American Eagles 1 Ounce
| Weight: | Spot Price: | Buy Price: |
|---|
| 1.00 oz | $ 2,435.98 | $ 2,565.09 |
While owning most gold bullion and coins in the United States was once illegal, it's now perfectly legal, a change that occurred after the tumultuous period of the Great Depression.
Can I buy American Eagle coins at the bank? ›
Banks typically sell American Silver Eagles as part of their bullion services, which allows customers to invest in precious metals. The American Silver Eagle is a recognized currency; it can be purchased from several banks and financial institutions.
Are American Eagle gold coins a good investment? ›
The American Gold Eagle Coin is one of the best ways of investing in gold. US gold bullion coins are made from gold from American mines and are produced in New York. These American gold bullion coins are also suitable for first-time investors.
Why is American Gold Eagle not pure gold? ›
The primary reason for this 91.67% composition is durability. Pure gold, known for its softness, is susceptible to wear and tear, primarily when used in coins that might have been handled frequently.
Magnet test
To do it: Grab a strong magnet and see if you can use it to pick up your gold coins. If your coins stick to the magnet then it's likely that they contain a substantial amount of other metals. If they don't stick, then it's a good sign that your gold coins are genuine.
Why are gold American Eagles so expensive? ›
Limited Mintage & Rarity
While the demand for these coins remains consistently high, their production is controlled and limited by the U.S. Mint. The combination of demand and limited availability contributes to their rarity, making them all the more desirable to collectors and investors alike.
Is it better to buy gold coins or gold bars? ›
While gold bars give you the best option if you want to preserve your wealth, gold coins offer the best value when selling. Of course, gold bars will offer the best value when buying but they don't give you the flexibility that you want when you want to sell.
Can I sell my gold coins to a bank? ›
Technically, yes, central banks will sometimes buy gold to diversify their reserves. But in general, most banks as we know them don't buy gold from consumers. Banks are in the dollar business, not the gold business. You can't buy or sell your house through a bank's normal operations.
What year is best for gold eagle collection? ›
The following dates are the most highly sought-after by serious collectors:
- 1986 Gold Eagle Bullion Coins: These are the first bullion coins with the Augustus Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle mintages.
- 1991 1/2 oz. ...
- 1999 1/10 and 1/4 oz. ...
- 2014 & 2015 1/10 oz.
$50 Gold Eagles
| $50 Gold Eagles | Value Range |
|---|
| $50 Gold Eagles | Value Range |
|---|
| 2022 $50 Gold Eagle MS | $3,010 - $3,110 $3,010 - $3,110 |
| 2022-W $50 Gold Eagle, Burnished MS | $3,020 - $3,130 $3,020 - $3,130 |
| 2023 $50 Gold Eagle MS | $3,010 - $3,110 $3,010 - $3,110 |
67 more rowsMelt Value: $10 Liberty Eagle Gold Coin Random Year. This gold coin contains 0.484 troy ounces of bullion. Based on the metal content and weight, the intrinsic melt value of one $10 Liberty Eagle Gold Coin Random Year is $1167.39 based on today's gold spot price.
How much is a 1 oz American Eagle silver coin worth? ›
The current ask purchase prices for a one ounce Silver American Eagle is: $30.51.
