American Gold Eagle

1986-Present • United States • $50 (1 oz)

About This Coin

The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States. It features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic Liberty design from the 1907 Double Eagle, considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coin designs ever created.

Specifications

Composition

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

Weight

33.931 grams (1 troy ounce gold content)

Diameter

32.7 mm (1 oz)

Edge

Reeded

Designer

Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse, 1907 original), Miley Busiek (reverse)

Mintage

Varies by year

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	Gold spot + 5-8%
Good (G)	Gold spot + 5-8%
Fine (F)	Gold spot + 5-8%
Very Fine (VF)	Gold spot + 6-10%
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	Gold spot + 8-12%
Uncirculated (MS)	Gold spot + 10-20%

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

The obverse shows Liberty with a torch and olive branch striding toward the dawn. The reverse features a family of eagles and reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", weight, purity, and denomination. The mint mark (W for West Point) appears on the obverse below the date (2021+) or isn't present (earlier years).

Historical Context

Authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, the American Gold Eagle debuted in 1986 alongside the Silver Eagle. It revived Augustus Saint-Gaudens' stunning 1907 Double Eagle design, widely considered the most beautiful U.S. coin. The reverse was redesigned in 2021 for the first time, showing a more realistic eagle close-up.

Notable Varieties

1/10 oz
1/4 oz
1/2 oz
1 oz
Proof versions
Burnished versions
Type 1 Reverse (1986-2021)
Type 2 Reverse (2021-present)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Gold Eagle 22 karat instead of pure 24 karat gold?

The alloy (91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper) makes the coin more durable and scratch-resistant than pure gold, which is very soft. The coin still contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold by weight, with the extra alloy making it slightly heavier than pure gold coins.

Can I use American Gold Eagles in an IRA?

Yes! American Gold Eagles are one of the few gold coins explicitly approved for inclusion in precious metals IRAs. They meet IRS purity requirements and are backed by the U.S. government, making them ideal for retirement accounts.