No matter if you want to invest in the gold market, or add to your collection of bullion gold coins, the American Gold Eagle has numerous designs and sizes that should appeal to investors, enthusiasts and hardcore collectors alike.
The coins are manufactured in the US, from gold mined within its borders. It is legal tender and also IRA approved. American Eagle coins are ideal for both investment and collection purposes, and is valued on a combination of factors including gold content, current gold rate, and demand and rarity of the particular specimen.
Background
The American Eagle series of gold bullion coins was introduced in 1986. Since its inception, the four sizes have been acclaimed for their superb quality and untarnished appearance. Today, the coins enjoy immense popularity both home and abroad, with some of the rarer issues fetching far more than the value of the gold contained. American Eagle coins have reasonable over spot prices, and can be found in blemish-free uncirculated condition as well as certified current and backdated issues.
The American Gold Eagle is the US Mint’s best-known piece of gold bullion. The coins come in four denominations, and are 100% guaranteed by the US government for weight and purity. This reeded-edged coin is minted as a gold-silver alloy, containing 91.67% gold, 3% silver and 5.33% copper, regardless of size.
Design
The front of each American Gold Eagle features a raised design of the toga-clad Lady Liberty holding an olive branch in one hand and a torch in the other. The reverse features a pair of Bald Eagles, one resting in a nest and the other ready to wear the olive branch of peace into the nest.
The obverse was designed by 19th century Irish-American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, while the reverse was created by contemporary American artist Miley Busiek. Individual coins are typically packaged in protective casings when sold, and multiples of 20 come in mint tubes and multiples of 500 come in monster boxes.
The Obverse of the American Gold Eagle
The Reverse of the American Gold Eagle
The American Eagle coin is as American as apple pie. With striking engravings depicting the cornerstones of liberty, freedom and bravery, the coins are a true symbol of the strength and unity of the American nation.
The American Gold Eagle comes in the following sizes:
- 1/10th Troy Oz. - Value $5 (3.393g 22 karat gold)
- 1/4th Troy Oz. – Value $10 (8.483g 22 karat gold)
- 1/2 Troy Oz. – Value $25 (16.965g 22 karat gold)
- 1 Troy Oz. – Value $50 (33.930g 22 karat gold)
If you want to add to your portfolio of physical gold, you can’t go wrong with the American Eagle. With its one-of-a-kind design and widespread demand, it makes a solid investment or collection item. In addition, it’s IRA approved status allows you to make the most of the staying power of gold by including it in your retirement plans.
American Gold Eagle Facts
Did you know that between 1986 and 1991 dates on the American Gold Eagle were signified with Roman Numerals? The US Mint switched to contemporary numbering in 1992.
An interesting fact about the American Eagle (and most other nationally-minted bullion coins) is that the coins can be used as regular money. Some may find it hard to believe, but an American Eagle coin is just as much ‘money’ as a dollar bill. The dollar-value found on each Eagle indicates its legal tender and must be accepted just as a normal coin would. This is probably not a good idea, as the gold found in the coins is likely worth much more than its listed value.
Looking to collect American Gold Eagles? The US Mint issues limited run proofs each year, all minted at the West Point mint in New York state. In addition to minting Eagles, the West Point mint is also used to store significant amounts of the US gold bullion reserves. Because of the presence of so much bullion on-site, public tours of the mint are prohibited.