The 1/10 oz Gold Eagle is the smallest fractional size in the American Gold Eagle series, offering collectors and precious metals buyers a convenient way to own an official U.S. gold coin. Each coin contains 1/10 troy ounce of actual gold weight and carries a $5 face value backed by the United States government.
First introduced in 1986, the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle features the classic Lady Liberty design originally created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The reverse design varies depending on the year of issue, giving collectors opportunities to explore different dates and designs throughout the series.
At Pinehurst Coins, you can shop 1/10 oz Gold Eagles across a variety of years, conditions, and certified grades to find options that fit your collection or precious metals portfolio.
Why Buy 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles?
The smaller size of the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle makes it a popular option for buyers who want to purchase gold in fractional amounts. Instead of purchasing a full 1 oz Gold Eagle at once, buyers can add smaller quantities of gold to their collections over time.
Fractional Gold Eagles can also offer flexibility when building a collection or buying and selling smaller amounts of gold. Collectors may focus on specific dates, certified grades, or varieties within the American Gold Eagle series, while precious metals buyers may appreciate their recognizable designs and fractional gold content.
As part of one of the U.S. Mint’s best-known bullion coin programs, 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles feature iconic American imagery and contain one-tenth of a troy ounce of gold. Their weight and gold content are guaranteed by the U.S. government, making them a recognizable option for collectors and buyers interested in physical gold.
1/10 oz Gold Eagles vs. 1 oz Gold Eagles
Both 1/10 oz and 1 oz American Gold Eagles are part of the same U.S. Mint series and feature the same overall composition and designs for corresponding years. The primary difference is the amount of gold contained in each coin.
A 1/10 oz Gold Eagle contains one-tenth of a troy ounce of actual gold weight, while the full-size Gold Eagle contains one troy ounce. The smaller denomination generally requires a lower total purchase price per coin, making it easier to purchase individual coins or add gold incrementally.
However, fractional gold coins can carry higher premiums per ounce than their larger counterparts because of production, distribution, and market factors. Buyers primarily focused on acquiring the greatest amount of gold for their budget may want to compare available premiums across different Gold Eagle sizes before purchasing.
Designs of the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle
The obverse of the 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic depiction of Lady Liberty striding forward with a torch and olive branch. Originally created for the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, this celebrated design has been a defining feature of the American Gold Eagle series since its introduction in 1986.
The coin’s original reverse, designed by Miley Busiek (now Miley Tucker-Frost), depicts a family of eagles and symbolizes American family values and tradition. In 2021, the U.S. Mint introduced a redesigned reverse featuring a close-up portrait of an American bald eagle. The new design was created by artist Jennie Norris and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon.
These two reverse designs create distinct collecting opportunities within the American Gold Eagle series. Collectors can build sets by year, explore both design types, or focus on particular dates and certified grades.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1/10 oz Gold Eagles
How much gold is in a 1/10 oz Gold Eagle?
A 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle contains exactly one-tenth of a troy ounce of actual gold weight. Gold Eagles are struck in 22-karat gold, with small amounts of silver and copper added to improve durability.
What is the face value of a 1/10 oz Gold Eagle?
A 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle contains exactly one-tenth of a troy ounce of pure gold. The coin is struck in 22-karat gold, with silver and copper added to enhance durability. As a result, its total weight is approximately 3.393 grams, while its pure gold content is approximately 3.110 grams.
Are 1/10 oz Gold Eagles a good way to buy fractional gold?
For buyers specifically looking for fractional U.S. gold coins, 1/10 oz Gold Eagles provide a recognizable option backed by the United States government for weight and content. Buyers should consider current gold prices, premiums, and their individual collecting or precious metals goals when choosing between fractional and full-ounce coins.
What years are available for 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles?
The U.S. Mint introduced the American Gold Eagle series in 1986, including the 1/10 oz denomination. Coins are available from various years, depending on current inventory at Pinehurst Coins.
Availability may include different dates, conditions, grades, and certification types. Collectors can also explore the series’ two reverse designs: the original family of eagles design, issued from 1986 through 2020, and the redesigned bald eagle portrait introduced in 2021. Check individual product listings for specific dates and details about each coin.
Are 1/10 oz Gold Eagles IRA eligible?
American Gold Eagles are among the U.S. gold coins that may qualify for inclusion in a self-directed precious metals IRA, subject to applicable IRS requirements. Eligibility also depends on the IRA arrangement and the custodian’s policies.
Before purchasing a 1/10 oz Gold Eagle for a retirement account, buyers should confirm acceptance with their IRA custodian and verify applicable storage and account requirements. IRA-owned precious metals generally must be held by the trustee or custodian, or through another arrangement permitted by IRS rules.