The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States and has been in production since 1986 as a means for private investors to buy precious metals. Mintages vary each year based on investor demand.
The Gold Eagle is minted in four denominations, each containing a specific weight of gold (1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz), with the 1 oz coin having a face value of $50. The coin is composed of 22-karat gold (91.67% gold, 3% silver, and the remainder in copper).
The one-half troy ounce has a nominal face value of $25. The quarter ounce Gold Eagle carries a nominal face value of $10. The smallest denomination, the 1/10 troy ounce has a nominal face value of $5.
The nominal face value of each Gold Eagle assures its legal tender status. The intrinsic value of the gold is worth significantly more.
This chart only displays the bullion version of the coin. American Eagle gold proof coins have separate mintage figures.
Proof and Special Finish Gold Eagles
Proof Gold Eagles are specially minted coins intended for collectors and have a shinier, mirror-like finish. These coins are sold direct to consumers by the US Mint and are also available from bullion dealers, coin dealers and secondary market sources. These coins are sought after by collectors and can carry numismatic premiums. They are minted in limited quantities, which can make certain years more valuable.
Certain years had lower mintages than others, making Gold Eagle Key Date Coins more rare and desirable. For Gold Eagles, some of the lower mintage years include 1991, 1992, and 1999, especially in the 1/2 oz and 1/4 oz denominations.
The U.S. Mint has released special versions of the Gold Eagle for various anniversaries or events. For example, the 1995-W Proof Gold Eagle is incredibly sought after, especially when found as part of the 10th Anniversary 5-Coin Set.
Gold Eagles that have been professionally graded and received a high grade can be more desirable. For example, a Gold Eagle graded as MS70 (perfect condition) by a reputable grading service like NGC or PCGS can command a significant premium over a non-graded coin or a coin with a lower grade.
Burnished Gold Eagles were introduced in 2006, these coins have a matte finish and were intended for collectors. They feature the “W” mint mark, indicating they were minted at West Point.
Some collectors aim to acquire Gold Eagles in all four denominations for certain years or seek out specific denominations that had lower mintages in particular years.
American Gold Eagle Annual Mintage History
The chart below shows the American Gold Eagle mintage numbers based on sales data for all denominations minted since their introduction in 1986.
| Date | 1 oz. | 1/2 oz. | 1/4 oz. | 1/10 oz. |
| 1986 | 1,362,650 | 599,566 | 726,031 | 912,609 |
| 1987 | 1,045,500 | 131,255 | 269,255 | 580,266 |
| 1988 | 465,500 | 45,000 | 49,000 | 159,500 |
| 1989 | 415,790 | 44,829 | 81,789 | 264,790 |
| 1990 | 373,210 | 31,000 | 41,000 | 210,210 |
| 1991 | 243,100 | 24,100 | 36,100 | 165,200 |
| 1992 | 275,000 | 54,404 | 59,546 | 209,300 |
| 1993 | 480,192 | 73,324 | 71,864 | 210,709 |
| 1994 | 221,663 | 62,400 | 72,650 | 206,380 |
| 1995 | 200,636 | 53,474 | 83,752 | 223,025 |
| 1996 | 189,148 | 39,287 | 60,318 | 401,964 |
| 1997 | 664,508 | 79,605 | 108,805 | 528,515 |
| 1998 | 1,468,530 | 169,029 | 309,829 | 1,344,520 |
| 1999 | 1,505,026 | 263,013 | 564,232 | 2,750,338 |
| 2000 | 433,319 | 79,287 | 128,964 | 569,153 |
| 2001 | 143,605 | 48,047 | 71,280 | 269,147 |
| 2002 | 222,029 | 70,027 | 62,027 | 230,027 |
| 2003 | 416,032 | 79,029 | 74,029 | 245,029 |
| 2004 | 417,019 | 98,040 | 72,014 | 250,016 |
| 2005 | 356,555 | 80,023 | 72,015 | 300,043 |
| 2006 | 237,510 | 66,005 | 60,004 | 285,006 |
| 2007 | 140,016 | 47,002 | 34,004 | 190,010 |
| 2008 | 710,000 | 61,000 | 70,000 | 305,000 |
| 2009 | 1,493,000 | 110,000 | 110,000 | 270,000 |
| 2010 | 1,125,000 | 81,000 | 86,000 | 435,000 |
| 2011 | 857,000 | 70,000 | 80,000 | 350,000 |
| 2012 | 675,000 | 43,000 | 90,000 | 290,000 |
| 2013 | 758,500 | 57,000 | 114,500 | 555,000 |
| 2014 | 425,000 | 35,000 | 90,000 | 545,000 |
| 2015 | 626,500 | 75,000 | 158,000 | 980,000 |
| 2016 | 817,500 | 74,000 | 152,000 | 925,000 |
| 2017 | 228,500 | 37,000 | 64,000 | 395,000 |
| 2018 | 191,000 | 32,000 | 62,000 | 230,000 |
| 2019 | 108,000 | 30,000 | 38,000 | 195,000 |
| 2020 | 747,500 | 70,000 | 106,000 | 350,000 |
| 2021 | 1,115,500 | 95,000 | 162,000 | 490,000 |
| 20221 | 850,000 | 75,000 | 140,000 | 575,000 |
| 20232 | 924,000 | 102,000 | 198,000 | 675,000 |
| 20242 | 126,500 | 27,000 | 54,000 | 200,000 |
* Source : USMint.gov
1 – As of January 3, 2023, the US Mint reports 980,000 troy ounces of gold eagle coins were sold 2022. Although official sales data continues to show 850,000 troy ounces.
2 – Sales data totals through December 31, 2023.
3 – Sales totals through April 1, 2024.
