American Gold Eagle Coins
Official U.S. Mint gold bullion coins, first issued in 1986 and struck in 22k gold.
| SAVEWire/Check | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $567.20 | $590.83 $590.83 $572.93 |
| SAVEWire/Check | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $1,353.47 | $1,409.86 $1,409.86 $1,367.14 |
| SAVEWire/Check | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $2,677.00 | $2,788.54 $2,788.54 $2,704.04 |
| SAVEWire/Check | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $2,677.00 | $2,788.54 $2,788.54 $2,704.04 |
| SAVEWire/Check | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | $5,196.00 | $5,412.50 $5,412.50 $5,248.48 |
| 10+ | $5,189.00 | N/A N/A N/A |
| 20+ | $5,185.00 | N/A N/A N/A |
| 100+ | $5,180.00 | N/A N/A N/A |
American Gold Eagle Coins
The American Gold Eagle was authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and first issued by the United States Mint in 1986. It is one of the most widely recognized and actively traded gold bullion coins in the world.
Each American Gold Eagle is guaranteed by the U.S. government to contain the stated amount of gold in troy ounces, regardless of coin size. For example, the 1 oz American Gold Eagle contains 1 troy ounce of gold and is legal tender in the United States with a $50 USD face value.
Gold Content & Composition
American Gold Eagles are minted in 22-karat gold (91.67% gold), alloyed with copper and silver to improve durability. This traditional composition — often referred to as crown gold — allows the coin to withstand handling while still containing its full stated gold weight.
For the 1 oz coin, the total weight is approximately 1.09 troy ounces (33.93 grams). The additional weight comes from a copper and silver alloy, which enhances strength while preserving the coin’s full 1 troy ounce of gold content.
American Gold Eagles are offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz sizes.
Pricing & Premiums
American Gold Eagle prices are based on their gold weight and the live global gold spot price, plus a premium that reflects minting costs, demand, and market availability.
American Gold Eagles often trade at higher premiums due to their strong global recognition, consistent demand, and government-backed guarantee. During periods of limited supply or heightened market activity, this demand can push premiums higher compared to less widely traded gold bullion coins.
Coin Design
The obverse features the classic Augustus Saint-Gaudens Lady Liberty design, originally used on the historic $20 gold coin. Liberty is shown holding a torch and an olive branch, with the U.S. Capitol and a rising sun in the background, along with the word LIBERTY and the coin’s year of issue.
The reverse design varies by year. Coins minted from 1986 to 2021 feature a family of eagles designed by Miley Busiek Frost, while coins issued from mid-2021 onward feature a close-up bald eagle portrait by Jennie Norris. Both designs include the coin’s gold weight, face value, and official U.S. inscriptions.
Why Buy American Gold Eagle Coins from Kitco?
Kitco has been buying and selling precious metals since 1977. As the world’s leading gold news source and a trusted precious metals dealer, we offer transparent pricing tied to live markets, secure storage options, and experienced customer support.
For assistance with buying or selling gold or silver, contact our Customer Service team at info@kitco.com, 1-877-775-4826 (U.S. & Canada), or 1-514-313-9999 (Worldwide).
