American Gold Eagle
The American gold eagle is a coin which complements the silver eagle and is similar in its design. The obverse of this coin features Lady Liberty, who is walking towards us rather than to the side as on the silver eagles. Liberty is carrying a flaming torch and a branch, and the sunrise is behind her.
The Gold Eagle was first minted in 1986 and is still being struck to this day. President Ronald Reagan decided to update American coinage after being inspired by ancient Greek coins, which were beautifully designed. The American Gold Eagle was created to compete with the gold coins of other nations.
American Eagle Gold Coin History
The reverse of the gold eagle coin was designed in the 1980s by sculptor Miley Busiek. It has become one of the most iconic coin designs in American history. The obverse features the lady liberty design that was created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907. It was used on the $20 Gold Double Eagle coins issued from 1907 to 1933.
Lady Liberty is featured on many American coins as she is a symbol of patriotism. The coin has a message of courage and power and features Lady Liberty looking fierce as she carries an ignited torch in her hand. The image of a torch has been used to symbolize enlightenment and freedom. Liberty is also holding an olive branch, which represents peace. She is wearing a loose fitted, flowing robe walking with the Capital building behind her.
The coin's mintage date is located on the right side of the coin. This date was engraved using Roman Numerals between 1986 and 1991. Modern coins have the dates as numbers. Fifty stars circle the rim of the coin, and these represent the American states.
The Gold eagles reverse features the nation's emblem, the bald eagle, initially picked by the Founding Fathers. The bald eagle represents beauty, strength, and independence, all characteristics of the bird that Americans are inspired by. The coin has an image of a family of three bald eagles. One eagle is sitting in a nest made of olive branches with a chick. The other eagle is flying to the nest, wings outstretched. The weight, purity, and monetary value of the coin has been inscribed underneath the eagle family.
Gold Eagle mintage and weights
The Gold Eagle coins were the beginning of America's entry into Gold Bullion investing and was the first gold coin to be minted in American since 1933. In 1985 a ‘Gold Bullion Act’ was passed, which provided legislation for bullion coins' weights. The act stated that there must be four different sizes and weights of coins offered. This resulted in different sized coins being produced with the Gold Eagle design. The coins contained either 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, or 1/10 oz of gold. The coins were also struck in two conditions; brilliant uncirculated coins and proofs. Later a Burnished Gold Eagle would be offered as well. The very first proofs were only offered in 1 oz.
The Gold Bullion Act specified that all precious metals used to produce the coins must be mined in the US. The coins are made from 91.67% gold combined with 3% silver and 5.33% copper to create a durable coin. The gold eagle coins' mintage varies considerably from year to year and depends on the coin's size and the market demand. These coins are minted and released annually, with the same design being used since 1986. Every year the US Mint throws away its dies and creates new ones to ensure that the coins are struck in a crisp condition each time.
Uncirculated Gold Eagle coins in brilliant condition are in greater demand and therefore minted in higher quantities than other Gold Eagles types. These coins have an attractive matte finish. Brilliant uncirculated condition means that the coin has no marks or signs of wear and tear. However, it is common that these coins will have breaks in their luster or a spotted surface due to contact marks. This is due to the minting process and won’t decrease the value of the coin.
American Gold Eagle Coins for sale
Bullion Shark sells a variety of collectible American Gold Eagles, which are popular worldwide. We stock all types of finishes, including proofs, mint states, uncirculated, burnished, and reverse proofs. You’ll find all grades of coins on our website such as uncertified, 69 grades, and perfect grade 70s. Coins that are in mint state with a grade of between 60 and 70 are the most valuable. Bullion Shark has a selection of American Gold Eagle coins and makes buying gold coins online straightforward.