American Gold Eagle (1986 to Date)

Gold	$3,875.61
Silver	$49.46
Platinum	$1,434.23
Palladium	$976.61

The American Gold Eagle, first issued in 1986, is the official gold bullion coin of the United States, made in 22-karat gold in four sizes.

Obverse (Front) Design

Lady Liberty with a torch and olive branch, based on Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ design for the 1907 double eagle.

Reverse (Back) Design

From 1986 to 2021, a family of eagles by Miley Busiek. From 2021, a new eagle design by Jennifer Sanchez.

Coin Specifications

Date Range

1986 to date

Denomination

50, 25, 10 and 5 Dollars (legal tender)

Designer / Engraver

Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse); Miley Busiek, then Jennifer Sanchez (reverse)

Mints

West Point

Composition

91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper (22 karat)

Precious Metal Content

1 troy oz of pure gold in the 1 oz coin

Weight

33.931 g (1 oz coin)

Diameter

32.7 mm (1 oz coin)

Edge

Reeded

Mintage

—

History & Background

The American Gold Eagle was authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and first sold in 1986. It was created to give investors an official United States gold coin backed by the government.

The coin comes in four sizes: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce of gold. Each size contains the amount of gold named, but the coin is made from 22-karat gold alloyed with silver and copper, which makes it harder and heavier than pure gold.

The obverse design is based on the Saint-Gaudens double eagle of 1907. The reverse design changed in 2021.

Collecting Tips

Price follows the gold spot price plus a premium.
The coin is 22 karat, so its total weight is more than one troy ounce even though it holds one ounce of pure gold.
Keep the coin in a capsule or flip to avoid scratches.

Photographs by Grade

American Gold Eagle (1986 to Date) MS66 obverse — MS66

American Gold Eagle (1986 to Date) MS67 obverse — MS67

American Gold Eagle (1986 to Date) MS68 obverse — MS68

American Gold Eagle (1986 to Date) MS69 obverse — MS69

American Gold Eagle (1986 to Date) MS70 obverse — MS70

Frequently Asked Questions about the American Gold Eagle (1986 to Date)

How much gold is in an American Gold Eagle?

The 1 oz coin holds one troy ounce of pure gold. The coin weighs more because it is 22 karat gold mixed with silver and copper.

What sizes are available?

1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz.

Is it legal tender?

Yes. The 1 oz coin has a face value of 50 dollars, but it sells for much more because of its gold content.

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