The American Gold Eagle – An Overview

Since they were first minted in 1986, the one ounce American Gold Eagle coin has become the United States’ most popular bullion coin.

The American Gold Eagle was authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. An official gold bullion coin of the United States, it was first released in 1986 by the United States Mint.

The obverse of the coin features the Augustus Saint-Gaudens design that was popular on the $20 double eagle which dates back to 1907. It’s a beautiful rendition of Lady Liberty. This striking full length figure, with long flowing hair, holds an olive branch in her left hand and a torch in her right hand. The Capitol building can be seen on the left in the background.
The reverse was designed by the sculptor Miley Busiek. It features a male eagle who flies above a nest that is home to both a female eagle and her hatchlings. The flying eagle is holding an olive branch as well.

These coins are offered in 1 ounce, ½ ounce, ¼ ounce, and 1/10 ounce denominations. The one ounce gold coin, for example, actually weight 1.0909 troy ounces (33.930 grams). Their face values are $5, $10, $25 and $50 respectively. The face values don’t reflect the intrinsic value of the coins although these coins are legal tender and the face values reflect their legal values for all debts private and public at their face value.

The actual market value of the American Gold Eagle bullion coins are substantially more than their face value. They correspond to the market value of gold and fluctuate from one day to the next to the spot price of gold. Each coin is comprised of .9167 gold, with the balance of the weight being a combination of silver and copper to make the coin more wear resistant.
In addition to bullion coins, the US Mint also produces proof versions of the Gold American Eagle for coin collectors.