The American Gold Eagles are made in four denominations that contain 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz of gold. The obverse features a modified rendition of the Augustus Saint-Gaudens design used on the U.S. twenty-dollar gold pieces from 1907 until 1933. This series has run from 1986 to the present date in both an Uncirculated and Proof finish, providing diversity for both the collector and investors alike. Browse our full selection of American Gold Eagles above and find the right coin for your collection or portfolio.
What Are American Gold Eagles?
American Gold Eagles are the official gold bullion coins of the United States, first issued by the U.S. Mint in 1986. Authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, they are struck in 22-karat gold, an alloy of 91.67% gold, with silver and copper added for durability, and are available in four denominations to suit a wide range of investors and collectors. The obverse features a modified rendition of the Augustus Saint-Gaudens design used on the U.S. twenty-dollar gold pieces from 1907 until 1933, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coin designs in American history. The reverse features a family of eagles, symbolizing American strength and heritage.
Available Denominations
American Gold Eagles are available in four denominations, making them one of the most accessible gold coin series for investors and collectors at every level:
- 1 oz Gold Eagle: $50 face value and contains one full troy ounce of gold
- 1/2 oz Gold Eagle: $25 face value and contains one-half troy ounce of gold
- 1/4 oz Gold Eagle: $10 face value and contains one-quarter troy ounce of gold
- 1/10 oz Gold Eagle: $5 face value and contains one-tenth troy ounce of gold
Each denomination shares the same iconic Saint-Gaudens-inspired design, scaled proportionally to the coin’s size.
Types of American Gold Eagles
The American Gold Eagle series is offered in three distinct formats to suit different collecting and investing goals:
- Bullion Gold Eagles: struck for investment; priced closest to gold spot value; the most widely traded format
- Burnished Gold Eagles: struck on hand-fed burnished blanks for a satin finish; West Point “W” mint mark; limited annual mintage; collector issue
- Proof Gold Eagles: struck multiple times on polished dies for a mirror-like cameo finish; West Point “W” mint mark; limited annual mintage; collector issue
Investors typically favor bullion issues for their liquidity and spot-price proximity, while collectors often gravitate toward burnished and proof versions for their finish, exclusivity, and certified grade potential.
Why Buy American Gold Eagles?
American Gold Eagles are one of the most recognized and liquid gold coins in the world. Key reasons investors and collectors choose them include:
- U.S. government backing: guaranteed by the United States Mint for weight and gold content
- Global recognition: accepted and traded worldwide
- Four denominations: flexible entry points for any budget
- 22-karat durability: gold-silver-copper alloy resists wear better than pure gold coins
- IRA eligible: approved for inclusion in precious metal IRAs
- Strong secondary market: among the most liquid gold coins available
- Iconic design: the Saint-Gaudens obverse is one of the most admired in numismatic history
Are American Gold Eagles a Good Investment?
American Gold Eagles are a cornerstone holding for precious metal investors. Their value is primarily driven by:
- Gold spot price — the primary driver of bullion Gold Eagle value
- Denomination — larger coins offer more gold content per coin
- Condition and certification — PCGS or NGC graded examples, particularly MS70, command premiums above spot
- Mintage figures — lower-mintage years and collector issues attract added numismatic premiums
- Global demand — Gold Eagles are among the most widely held gold coins by central banks and private investors alike
For long-term wealth preservation, portfolio diversification, or building a gold coin collection, American Gold Eagles remain one of the most trusted choices available.
Why Buy Gold Eagles from Pinehurst Coins?
At Pinehurst Coins, we carefully source our inventory to ensure every American Gold Eagle meets the quality and authenticity our customers expect. When you shop with us, you’ll find:
- Authentic coins from the United States Mint
- Competitive pricing across all denominations and formats
- Secure, insured shipping
- Years of numismatic experience and a trusted industry reputation
- Responsive customer service
Frequently Asked Questions About American Gold Eagles
What gold content do American Gold Eagles contain?
American Gold Eagles are struck in 22-karat gold, an alloy of 91.67% gold, with silver and copper added for durability. The four denominations contain 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz of gold, respectively.
Are American Gold Eagles IRA eligible?
Yes. American Gold Eagles are approved for inclusion in self-directed precious metal IRAs, making them a popular choice for investors looking to hold physical gold within a tax-advantaged retirement account.
What is the design on American Gold Eagles?
The obverse features a modified rendition of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ famous design originally used on the U.S. $20 Double Eagle from 1907 to 1933. The reverse features a nest of American eagles. Both designs are widely considered among the most iconic in U.S. coinage history.
What is the difference between Gold Eagles and Gold Buffalos?
The primary difference is gold purity. American Gold Eagles are struck in 22-karat gold (91.67% pure), while American Gold Buffalos are struck in 24-karat gold (.9999 fine). Both are U.S. Mint products and IRA eligible, but Buffalos appeal to buyers who prefer a higher purity coin.
Are American Gold Eagles legal tender?
Yes. American Gold Eagles carry face values ranging from $5 to $50, depending on denomination, and are issued as legal tender by the United States government. Their gold bullion value significantly exceeds their face value.