American Eagle Gold Coins
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| Sizes | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz |
| Purity | .9167 Gold |
| Finish | Uncirculated & Proof |
| IRA Eligible |  IRA Approved |
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About the American Eagle Gold Coin
The American Eagle Gold Coin is an official American gold bullion coin and was introduced in 1986 by the U.S. Mint, after the release was authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. The American Eagle is available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz. The U.S. government guarantees that the coins contain the stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces. Law also requires the gold to come from American sources, alloyed with silver and copper in order to be more wear-resistant.
How to Buy The American Eagle Gold Coins
If you’re in Arizona, you can walk into our office during business hours to buy. You can also call in to place an order, use our live chat function, or request a quote directly from our website.
Why Invest in the American Eagle Gold Coin
Ideal for short-term holding and speculative trading.
Instant liquidity when you want to sell quickly.
Well-known and widely recognized in the market.
Considering the benefits of adding the American Eagle Gold Coin to your portfolio? Schedule a free strategy session with a precious metals advisor to discuss your options and goals.
American Eagle Gold Coin Design
Obverse Side
The American Eagle Gold Coin is an official American gold bullion coin and was introduced in 1986 by the U.S. Mint, after the release was authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. The American Eagle is available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz. The U.S. government guarantees that the coins contain the stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces. Law also requires the gold to come from American sources, alloyed with silver and copper in order to be more wear-resistant.
Reverse Side
In addition, the reverse side features the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, IN GOD WE TRUST, and E PLURIBUS UNUM, as well as the weight and face value. As the American Eagle Gold is a popular collector’s item, the U.S. Mint also produces a proof version at the West Point Mint in West Point, NY, which carries the mint’s mark “W” beneath the date.
The American Eagle Gold Coin Design Changed in 2021
In early October of 2020, the U.S. Mint announced a new look for the country’s official gold bullion coin, along with design of America’s most beloved silver coin, the 1 oz American Eagle Silver Coin. The new design for the 2021 American Gold Eagle coins features an entirely new reverse design, a “refreshing” of the obverse design inspired by Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Gold Double Eagle coin, and enhanced security features.
Read more about the redesign in our article: 2021 American Gold Eagle Type 2 Coin Is Here!
American Eagle Gold Proof Coin
American Eagle Gold Proof Coins are a limited and higher quality version of the regular American Eagle Gold bullion coins. “Proof” refers to a special minting process that starts with manually feeding burnished coins blanks into presses fitted with special dies. Then, each coin is struck multiple times, which results in the softly frosted, yet sharp images seemingly floating above a mirror-like field. They are available in four sizes, 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. Proof coins can be purchased either individually or in a four-coin proof set. It is important to note that American Eagle Gold Proof coins come in limited mintages. Struck at the mint branch in West Point, proof coins bear a W mark.
American Eagle Gold Coin Specifications
1 Troy oz American Eagle Gold Coin
| Versions | Mint & Proof |
| Diameter | 32.70 mm |
| Thickness | 2.87 mm |
| Net fine weight | 1.0909 ozt |
| Weight | 33.931 g |
| Face Value | $50 |
1/2 Troy oz American Eagle Gold Coin
| Versions | Mint & Proof |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Thickness | 2.15 mm |
| Net fine weight | 0.5455 ozt |
| Weight | 16.966 g |
| Face Value | $25 |
1/4 Troy oz American Eagle Gold Coin
| Versions | Mint & Proof |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 1.78 mm |
| Net fine weight | 0.2727 ozt |
| Weight | 8.483 g |
| Face Value | $10 |
1/10 Troy oz American Eagle Gold Coin
| Versions | Mint & Proof |
| Diameter | 16.50 mm |
| Thickness | 1.26 mm |
| Net fine weight | 0.1091 ozt |
| Weight | 3.393 g |
| Face Value | $5 |
American Eagle Gold Coin Value
American Eagle Gold coins have become a very popular investment coins over the years. In fact, the American Eagle is the country’s leading gold coin for investment portfolios, which has also made it a target for fakes (read: How to Spot a Fake American Eagle Gold Coin).
Even though the value of the coins fluctuates with market dynamics, gold is regularly in demand on the world markets. The American Gold Eagle is a good investment option for financial security, stability, and liquidity while also eligible for placement in a gold IRA (Individual Retirement Account). Coins minted from 1986 to 1991 are dated with Roman numerals, whereas coins minted since 1992 are dated with Arabic numbers.
All gold eagle coins are identical in design, except for the markings indicating the weight and face value of the coin. The face values of the coins are $5, $10, $25, and $50, which are their legal values reflecting their issue and monetized value. The face values are proportional to the weights, except for the 1/4 oz coin. Furthermore, they are legal tender for all debts public and private at their face values. However, these face values do not correspond to their intrinsic value which is much greater and is determined through their troy weight and current gold price. For example, in 2012, the U.S. Mint sold the 2012 ounce coin, whose face value is $50, at $1,835.00.
Looking to sell this gold coin? Get cash today!
American Gold Eagle FAQ
1. What is an American Gold Eagle coin worth?
The American Gold Eagle comes in four different sizes: 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz. Each size corresponds to a different face value. The face value of the 1 oz coin is $50. The face value of the ½ oz coin is $25. The face value of the ¼ oz coin is $10. The face value of the 1/10 oz coin is $5. However, the true market value of each coin is based on Troy weight and the current spot price of gold. Contact us for a free appraisal.
2. Are American Eagle gold coins a good investment?
American Eagle gold coins are ideal for short-term trading and speculative trading. American Eagles are beautiful, sophisticated bullion coins and are wonderful as additions to your coin collection or precious metals IRA. Buying bullion coins can also be a great way to take advantage of short-term profits in the market, while still taking physical delivery of the metal. American Eagles are well-known and widely recognized, so they can provide instant liquidity when you want to sell quickly. However, it’s important to understand the difference between bullion and rare coins. Please be wary of any sellers trying to sell you a high premium for modern graded bullion coins.
3. American Gold Eagle Coin vs Buffalo Coin, what’s the difference?
Both the American Gold Eagle and Buffalo Gold coins are stunning works of art. However, the artwork, original mint date, and pure gold content are different between these two beautiful coins. The American Gold Eagle features Lady Liberty on the obverse side and an eagle head on the reverse, while the Buffalo displays the profile of a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. The American Gold Eagle was first minted in 1986, while the Buffalo came out 20 years later in 2006. The American Gold Eagle is 22-carat gold while the Buffalo is 24-carat gold. Learn more here: Gold Eagle vs. Gold Buffalo coin
4. Gold Eagle Coin vs Gold Maple Leaf Coin, what’s the difference?
The American Gold Eagle and Gold Maple Leaf are two beautiful bullion coins minted in the United States and Canada, respectively. In addition to being minted in different countries, these coins feature different aesthetics in art, different purity levels, different sizes, and different original mint dates. The Gold Eagle displays a Lady Liberty on the front with an eagle on the back, while the Maple Leaf has a profile of Queen Elizabeth II on the front with a Canadian maple leaf on the back. The American Eagle is minted in 22-carat gold, and the Maple Leaf is minted in 24-carat gold. Both coins come in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz sizes, but the Maple Leaf comes in an additional 1/20 oz size. These coins were originally minted 6 years apart, with the Maple Leaf first appearing in 1979 and the Gold Eagle following in 1986. Learn more here: Gold Eagle vs. Gold Maple Leaf coin
5. How can you tell a fake American Gold Eagle?
It may be hard to tell a real American Gold Eagle from a counterfeit, so it’s important to choose your dealers carefully. There are a few clues, however, that you might be dealing with a fake American Gold Eagle. Look for strange marks on the coin that shouldn’t be there, such as the word “copy.” Look for flaws in design, such as extra lines or missing details. Look for any typography that seems “off,” such as tilted or slanted letters. Make sure the diameter and thickness correspond to the true specs of a Gold Eagle. Only buy from authorized dealers. Learn more here: How to Spot a Fake American Eagle Gold Coin
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