American Gold Eagles

Learn More About American Gold Eagles

The American Gold Eagle Series was established with the passage of the Liberty Coin Act of 1985 to give investors a trusted and stable store of value.

The current-year investment coins are distributed only through wholesalers and bullion dealers. They are available to retail investors at prices based on the market price of the metal plus a small premium. 

Gold Eagle Premiums

The U.S. Mint charges Authorized Purchasers a premium, the "Mint Premium," on newly minted coins. This premium covers the cost of manufacturing, marketing, and distribution.

In addition to the mint premium, a dealer premium is added above the market spot price to cover additional operating costs and profit margin.

American Eagle Gold coin prices can vary greatly from one dealer to the next due to the added premiums, making it important to shop around and compare prior to investing.

As one of the most well-known and respected worldwide, the U.S. Mint issues these coins as a tangible asset and a highly liquid store of value.

American Gold Eagle Design

The obverse of the modern Gold Eagle coin is based on sculptor Augustus Saint-Gauden's design for the $20 Saint-Gauden gold coin, which was circulated from 1907 to 1933. It is often considered one of the most beautiful designs ever minted by the U.S. Mint.

The image features Lady Liberty with flowing hair in full stride. In her right hand, she carries a torch symbolizing enlightenment. In her left hand, she holds an olive branch, a symbol of peace. The Capitol building can be seen in the background, and the design incorporates 50 stars to represent the 50 states.

From 1986 to 1991, the American Gold Eagle coin design included Roman numerals for dates. In 1992, the U.S. Mint began incorporating Arabic numbers into Gold Eagle dates.

In 2021, the U.S. Mint updated the reverse design to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the coin's First Issue. The design changes came partway through the mintage year due to logistical complications caused by the pandemic lockdowns and supply chain issues.

The nomenclature used to describe the two different 2021 American Gold Eagle coins is noted with a Type 1 or Type 2 designation. The Type 1 designation is used to identify American Eagle Gold coins minted with the original reverse design. The Type 2 designation is used to identify American Eagle Gold coins minted with the new reverse design.

The Type-1 reverse features a male bald eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings. Sculptor Miley Busiek designed it to symbolize family tradition and unity.

The Type-2 reverse shows the head of a bald eagle with deep gazing eyes.

The fractional gold denominations of the American Gold Eagle coins are identical in design to the 1 troy oz coin except for the markings on the reverse that indicate weight and face value.

Sizes and Specifications

The American Eagle Gold coin series is made of 22-karat gold and is minted in four legal tender denominations.

The $50 1 oz gold coin contains 1 ounce,

the $25 gold coin contains 1/2 ounce,

the $10 gold coin contains 1/4 ounce,

and the $5 gold coin is the smallest, containing 1/10 ounce.

Some characteristics are shared across all four denominations:

• The $50 1 oz gold coin contains 1 ounce,
• the $25 gold coin contains 1/2 ounce,
• the $10 gold coin contains 1/4 ounce,
• and the $5 gold coin is the smallest, containing 1/10 ounce.

Some characteristics are shared across all four denominations:

• Gold Purity: 91.67% (22 karat), 3% silver, 5.33% copper

The ratio of gold to other metals is measured as 91.67% gold, with the remaining 8.33% is composed of 3% silver and 5.33% copper to  provide strength and durability .  Similar alloys have been utilized for circulated gold coins going back hundreds of years.

• Diameter: 32.70 mm
• Thickness: 2.87 mm
• Gross Weight: 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 g)
• Gold Weight: 1 troy ounce
• Face Value: $50

• Diameter: 27 mm
• Thickness: 2.24 mm
• Gross Weight: .5454 troy oz (16.965 g)
• Gold Weight: 1/2 troy ounce
• Face Value: $25

• Diameter: 22 mm
• Thickness: 2.83 mm
• Gross Weight: .2727 troy oz (8.483 g)
• Gold Weight: 1/4 troy ounce
• Face Value: $10

• Diameter: 16.5 mm
• Thickness: 1.19 mm
• Gross Weight: .1091 troy oz (3.930 g)
• Gold Weight: 1/10 troy ounce
• Face Value: $5

Cheapest Gold Eagles

Buying coins from the secondary market is a way to get the cheapest American Gold Eagle bullion coins. With the long and extensive available mintage history, premiums for random-year coins are typically lower than those for current-year coins.

The U.S. Mint guarantees that each gold coin matches the specifications regarding gold content, purity, and weight, providing investors with a high level of trust in the product.  

Random Year Gold Eagles have been previously owned and then resold back to a dealer. These coins are then offered back to customers at a lower price than new coins. These coins may show slight signs of wear or have minor scratches from handling, but the gold content remains the same.

Gold Eagle Proof and Special Finish Coins

Proof Gold Eagles are a premium version of the American Gold Eagle. Alongside other special finishes like Burnished and Reverse Proof, these coins are highly collectible. They can offer both enjoyment and potential financial appreciation over time.

The American Eagle Proof Gold Coin is designed for collectors who value the coin's aesthetic and limited availability.

Unlike the standard bullion version, which is mass-produced, the Proof Gold Eagle is specifically designed for collectors. Proofs are struck with higher precision and detail than bullion coins.

These proof coins are made using a meticulous process. The coin blanks (planchets) are hand-fed into presses and struck multiple times with specially polished dies. This process gives the American Eagle Proof Gold Coin its distinct mirror-like finish, with frosted design elements that stand out against the shiny background.

Proof Gold Eagles are produced in limited quantities yearly, making them more exclusive and often more valuable to collectors.

The combination of limited supply, the high quality of production, and their appeal to collectors means that  Gold Eagle Proof coins are rarer than the bullion version and can carry significant numismatic premiums.

Special Finishes for Collectors

Burnished Gold Eagles are struck on specially prepared blanks, which gives the coin a smooth, matte-like finish. They feature a "W" mint mark, indicating they were produced at the West Point Mint. Burnished coins are limited in mintage and are popular among collectors.

Reverse Proof Gold Eagles have the opposite finish, with the background being frosted and the raised design elements having a mirror-like finish, giving the coins a unique contrast.

The Enhanced Uncirculated finish combines elements of proof and burnished finishes to highlight specific design elements with extra clarity.

The grading services use Ultra Cameo (UCAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) to denote a proof coin with a particularly strong and deep cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields.

Certified Gold Eagles

Certified Gold Eagles have been graded and authenticated by a professional third-party grading service. 

Once graded, the coin is sealed in a tamper-evident, hard plastic slab that includes a label with its grade, serial number, and sometimes a barcode for easy tracking, which protects the coin and preserves its condition.

Coins in pristine or near-perfect condition with a high grade of MS-70 or PF-70 can significantly enhance their desirability and value in the collector market.

Both NGC and PCGS provide similar services but differ in how coins are graded. In either case, the certification process provides assurance of the coin's authenticity, condition, and quality, which makes these coins more attractive to collectors and investors.

PCGS Graded Gold Eagles

Established in 1986, PCGS is one of the leading coin-grading companies in the world. A PCGS-certified Gold Eagle has been examined by PCGS experts, authenticated as genuine, and graded on the 70-point Sheldon Scale for quality and condition.

PCGS encapsulates the coin in a secure, tamper-evident holder, known as a "slab," with a label that displays the coin's grade, serial number, and other important information. PCGS labels are often considered sleek and professional, with some unique labels or designations that can add value.

PCGS has a strong reputation for strict grading standards, which is often favored by collectors who value precision in grading. Coins graded by PCGS tend to hold substantial resale value in the marketplace.

NGC Graded Gold Eagles

Founded in 1987, NGC is another leading coin-grading service that competes closely with PCGS. An NGC-certified Gold Eagle has also been authenticated and graded on the same 70-point scale.

NGC's slab and label system is similar to that of PCGS. NGC labels are known for their clarity and reputation for providing a high level of detail about the coin, including special designations like "Early Release" or "First Day of Issue."

NGC is respected for its consistency in grading and is highly trusted within the numismatic community. Like PCGS, NGC-graded coins generally hold good market value, and some collectors specifically seek NGC-certified coins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include American Gold Eagles in my IRA?

Yes, American Gold Eagles are eligible for inclusion in a Precious Metals Individual Retirement Account (IRA) because they meet IRS requirements for purity and are legal tender. You must use a self-directed IRA and store the coins with an approved custodian.

Where can I buy American Gold Eagles?

You can purchase them from authorized bullion dealers, reputable online retailers, local coin shops, some banks, and at coin shows. Ensure you buy from trusted sources to guarantee authenticity.

Do American Gold Eagles have numismatic value?

Due to rarity and collector demand, specific editions, such as proof coins, coins from years with low mintages, or special releases, may have a numismatic value that exceeds their gold content.

Can I sell American Gold Eagles quickly?

Yes, due to their popularity and recognition, they are highly liquid. You can sell them to coin dealers, bullion dealers, at coin shows, or through private sales.

Are American Gold Eagles subject to sales tax?

Sales tax on bullion purchases depends on state and local laws. Some states exempt bullion from sales tax, while others apply it. Check the regulations in your area or consult the dealer.

How should I store my American Gold Eagles?

Store them securely, such as in a safe or safety deposit box. Keeping them in their original packaging or protective capsules helps preserve their condition. For significant holdings, consider professional vault storage with insurance.

Are there fractional sizes of American Gold Eagles?

Yes, besides the 1 oz coin, there are 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz denominations, making gold accessible at various price points.

How does the U.S. Mint distribute American Gold Eagles?

The U.S. Mint sells bullion coins to a network of authorized purchasers who buy in bulk and distribute them to dealers and the public. Collector versions, such as proof and uncirculated coins, can be purchased directly from the U.S. Mint.

Do American Gold Eagles come with a certificate of authenticity?

Bullion Coins do not come with certificates since they are mass-produced for investment. However, proof and uncirculated coins purchased directly from the U.S. Mint will include original government packaging (OGP) and a certificate of authenticity.

Is there a difference in value between different mint years?

For bullion coins, the year generally only significantly affects value if the coin is from a low mintage year or has become collectible. Secondary market Gold Eagles are a good option for the lowest premium. Due to rarity, specific years may carry higher premiums for proof and unique edition coins.