Steve Rand
General Manager / Sr. Precious Metals Advisor
Steve Rand is the General Manager and a Sr. Precious Metals Advisor at Scottsdale Bullion & Coin. He brings over 20 years of experience in the physical precious metals markets.
These beautiful designs build on the United States Mint’s heritage of artistic excellence and fortify the American Eagle Coin Program’s status as an icon in the numismatic and art worlds.—U.S. Mint Director David J. Ryder[1]
Not since Theodore Roosevelt commissioned Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the now-famous Double Eagle in 1904 have Americans had the opportunity to witness such a groundbreaking moment in the history of the country’s coinage.
The 2021 Gold Eagle design will be different for the first time in its 35-year history.
Next summer, collectors and investors will have to say goodbye to the young eagle family on the reverse.
What design has the U.S. Mint selected to replace Miley Busiek’s? Find out below.
New American Eagle Gold Coin Design
In early October 2020, the U.S. Mint announced the gold and silver American Eagle coins are getting a makeover to commemorate their 35th anniversary. Read more about the 2021 Silver American Eagle Coin redesign.
The bullion and collector editions of the coins will feature an entirely new reverse design in mid-2021. Each coin’s obverse, however, will simply be “refreshed.”
2021 Gold Eagle Reverse Design
Imagine standing inches from a bald eagle in the wild, staring him directly in the eye—because that is the piercing image you’ll soon behold on the new reverse of the gold coin.
Whereas Busiek’s depiction of a male eagle bringing an olive branch to the nest cradling his mate and hatchlings symbolizes cooperation and unity, Jennie Norris’ close-up profile for the new reverse conveys the creature’s—and the country’s—fierce commitment to independence.
Norris, a member of the Mint Artistic Infusion Program and a former volunteer raptor handler, said her inspiration for the design came from her deep connection with wildlife:
‘The American Eagle is such a noble bird. I was hoping to capture the intensity of his stare through the close cropping. His gaze speaks of pride and wisdom passed down through generations of time.’2
The coin’s inscriptions will remain the same: “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” “50 Dollars,” and “1 OZ. Fine Gold.”
So far, the U.S. Mint has released only a sketch of what the new reverse of the 2021 American Eagle gold coin could look like, which Scottsdale Bullion & Coin has colorized for realistic effect below:
2021 American Eagle Gold Coin New Reverse
The reverse design of the new 1 oz 2021 American Gold Eagle Coin colorized.
2021 Gold Eagle Obverse Design
If you couldn’t imagine the Gold Eagle without Augustus Saint-Gaudens ethereal portrayal of Lady Liberty emerging from the rising sun carrying forth the torch of freedom and the olive branch of peace—then you’ll be relieved to know the U.S. Mint’s keeping the image.
It is, however, getting a “refresh.” Details to come…
New Security Features on the 2021 American Gold Eagle Coin
Because Gold Eagles are among America’s most popular coins, counterfeiting is rampant. To combat the problem and protect collectors, the U.S. Mint will be rolling out new security features in 2021. Watch for an update to this article for more information…
2021 Gold Eagle Coin Specifications
The following versions of the American Gold Eagle coin will receive new reverse designs:
Proof 2021-W American Eagle Gold Coin
- 1 oz $50 coins
- ½ oz $25 coins
- ¼ oz $10 coins
- 1/10 oz $5 coins
Uncirculated 2021-W American Eagle Gold Coin
- 1 oz $50 coin[2]
No changes to the Gold Eagle’s specifications have been announced. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Check back for updates…
1 Troy Oz American Eagle Gold Coin
| Diameter: | 32.70 mm |
| Thickness: | 2.87 mm |
| Net fine weight: | 1.0909 ozt |
| Weight: | 33.931 g |
| Face value: | $50 |
See the specifications for the other denominations of the American Eagle gold coin.
Get the 2020 Gold Eagle with Original Designs Before It’s Gone Forever
The changing of the Gold Eagle’s design marks a pivotal moment in the history of America’s coinage. And for a limited time, you can capture it for your collection.
Call Scottsdale Bullion & Coin today to add Miley Busiek’s young eagle family to your collection for the last time ever. Call 888-812-9892.