Description

The American gold eagle is an official gold bullion coin of the United States. Authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, it was first released by the United States Mint in 1986.

Known as "American Eagles" because of the family of eagles on the reverse, U.S. gold bullion coins are available in Uncirculated and Proof versions, as well as in a number of different sets.

American Gold Eagle Coins are offered in four different sizes and face values: 1 ounce $50, 1/2 ounce $25, 1/4 ounce $10, 1/10 ounce $5. All four denominations have been offered as bullion versions since the series was launched in 1986. Proof coins were initially only available in the 1 ounce size. In the second year of issue the 1/2 ounce size was added. In the third year, the remaining 1/4 and 1/10 ounce sizes were offered as proofs.

Coins are struck with a durable composition of 22 karat gold (an English standard traditionally referred to as "crown gold"). The composition is comprised of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. Coins are produced so that each size contains its stated weight in pure gold.

From 1986 to 2021, the reverse, by sculptor Miley Busiek, depicted an eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a second eagle and hatchlings. In 2021, the Mint marked the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program with an updated design. For the obverse, the Mint used historical assets such as the original bronze cast to closer reflect Saint-Gaudens’ original vision. The refresh includes modifications to the Capitol Building, stars, torch, sun rays, and other design elements. The reverse shows a portrait of an eagle.

To give the new coins an added level of security, they have also been updated with enhanced security features, including a reeded edge variation. In 2021 both the new and the old designs were minted.