American Gold Eagle Coins Review - Invest or Stay Away?

The American Gold Eagle coin, initially minted in 1986, is one of the most well-known bullion coins in the United States Government. The coins were initially made of gold, silver, and copper and were created under the 1985 Gold Bullion Coin Act. This currency is legal cash in the United States, and the gold Eagle coin clearly portrays American iconography.

Lady Liberty and the Eagle soaring above a nest symbolize America’s freedom and unity at the same time. The Gold American Eagle Coins are IRS-approved and frequently compete with some of the world’s top bullions, such as the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, South African Krugerrand, and Austrian Philharmonic Gold Coins. Due to the coin’s unique design and quality, the gold American Eagle Coin is exchanged all over the world and is one of the most preferred ways to invest in gold in general.

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In 1986, American Gold Eagle Coins were among the first bullion coins created in the United States, and American Eagle Proof Coins were released as a bullion currency in 2010. The coins are still among the most well-known in the world, and these coins are available in a multitude of sizes and face values. There is also a gold American Eagle edition with uncirculated coins from 2006 to 2008. As we progress through this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about American Gold Eagle Coins.

The obverse side of the American Gold Eagle features Lady Liberty carrying a torch, while the reverse side portrays an eagle in flight. The intrinsic value of gold eagle coins is far more than their face value. The coins are mostly exchanged under legislative authorization, and the United States Mint is in charge of the legal tender issuance. One-ounce, $50 face-valued Gold Eagle Coins are among the most well-known Eagle Coins due to their melt value.

Investing in Gold Coins

Investing in gold coins may be a novel phrase for a new investor, but folks have been investing in gold for a long time to diversify their financial portfolio. Since 2009, many individuals have realized that they need to steer their economic prospects in a variety of areas, so it serves as several alternative plans. All of these can be enhanced by gold. Precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and rhodium are all pricey commodities, with gold being the oldest investment and trade source of all.

As a result, if you’re investing in stocks and mutual funds, you should also save money for gold. Gold is typically regarded as a safe haven that protects against financial inflation—regarded as haven that protects against financial inflation. Gold bullion, such as gold coins and bars, is exchanged based on its melt value. However, rare and valuable coins make a statement since their melt value has no bearing on the rarity and grading of gold coins.

People, in general, were always drawn to gold as an investment choice, considering it to be one of the most extraordinary items to deal with for an investment portfolio. Nonetheless, gold will attract consumers from the heights. However, before gold was marketed and acquired as jewelry, these gold jewelry pieces were seen as an indication of both status and money. However, when investors became more concerned with the fineness of gold, they shifted their focus to gold bullion.

A gold bullion’s gold coins are an essential requirement. Bullion coins are 99.99% pure gold and are traded for their melt value. The coins are issued as cash, and they keep their face value, just like any other classically exchanged coin. As a result, the face value of the American Gold Eagle coins ranges from $10 to $50. These coins enable investors to invest in pure gold coins that will be exchanged and eventually melted for their gold worth.

More individuals are investing in gold Eagle coins since they are IRS-approved and come in a variety of forms. So you may select a one-ounce gold coin all at once, or you can choose something less expensive because it has less weight and face value. You may also acquire the Gold Eagle Proof Coins for a larger investment.

The Design of American Eagle Gold Coins

The American Eagle Gold coin has a striding Lady Liberty on the front and an American Bald Eagle on the reverse. The design of the gold Eagle has evolved throughout time as one of the most popular gold coins. The male Eagle soaring above an eagle nest was the first to be used from 1986 to 2021. However, from 2021, the side profile of a bald eagle has been featured. Since the 1986 Gold American Eagle Coins, there has been a considerable alteration.

The majesty and grace of Lady Liberty as she strolls forth with a torch and olive branch in tow is one of the key reasons why the Golden Eagles Coins are famous. There is also a sun-lit horizon with beams of light all over it. The Capitol Building is visible in the backdrop of Lady Liberty. For its bullion coin, the US Mint used a historic design. Augustus Saint Gaudens created the design hand-picked by Franklin Roosevelt in 1905 to revive the overall US Coinage System.

Augustus Saint Gaudens depicted Lady Liberty in a full-length frame with flowing hair and gown. The background depicts the United States Capitol, the olive branch represents peace, and the torch represents light. She is shown in this image as someone who will lead the United States of America towards a new and brighter future.

In 1905, the designer created a $20 gold piece known as the “Double Eagle.” It was then converted into the current Gold American Eagle Coins and was regarded as one of the most beautiful bullions in the world. The Eagle Coin’s flattened version of the ultra-high relief $20 gold piece was taken from the ultra-high relief $20 gold piece.

To be more specific, the golden eagle coins were stated to contain eleven strikes and twenty in the 1907 minted version. The Ultra High Relief $20 coins were first deemed unfit for coinage, and they were afterward auctioned off.

Though the gold American Eagle coin first looked to be an unrealistic option for a currency, it soon became one of the most popular and in-demand coins in the United States. And then, the coin was adapted to the normal relief version and was instituted in 1986. The Ultra High Relief $20 gold coins were issued in 2009 and were made with 24 karats fine gold.

Miley Busiek created the reverse side of the Gold American Eagle coin, which depicted a family of eagles. A bald eagle returns to its nest in its talons, and the female Eagle is guarding and defending her nest. Renata Gordon developed the side profile of the Bald Eagle, which was later used in the design. The backside depicts “IN GOLD WE TRUST” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” in two distinct ways. There is also a representation of the United States of America and the coin’s weight and face value: “1 oz. Fine Gold50 dollars.”

Saint Gaudens’ initial design had the capital building on her feet and the 46 stars that represented the states of the United States. The creator did not survive to see his design become a coin. As Arizona and New Mexico joined the team, Congress permitted two additional stars in the original design. Following World War II, Hawaii and Alaska were admitted to the Union, and two extra stars were added to the American Eagle’s reverse side along with its mint mark.

The New Reverse Side Design of American Gold Eagle Coin

As previously noted, there is a clear distinction on the other side of the coin. On the 35th anniversary of the Gold American Eagle, the American Mint released a brand-new design, which was one of the first alterations made to the coin since its release in 1986.

The Bald Eagle is shown on its left side profile of Gold American Eagle Coins, with exquisite detailing of feathers in its head, and was designed under the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program. The Bald Eagle was looking out into the horizon. Individual portions of its body may also be seen, and every feature in its head and body.

“In God, We Trust,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the “United States of America” are still inscribed. The inscriptions on the weight and face value remain unchanged. The coin reflects the bald Eagle’s natural beauty, and the artwork was picked among 34 designers for a new collection.

Composition of the American Gold Eagle Coin

The United States Mint produced the Gold American Eagle Coins. The Eagle American gold coins were crafted from 22-karat gold. The alloys added to the gold content of coins to make them considerably more resilient, which enhances their resistance to scuffing and scratching. Pure gold coins can change appearance according to external pressure and the climate. The coin is made up of the following components:

91.67% Fine Gold.
3% Silver
5.33% copper.

How Many Denominations Do the American Gold Eagle Coins Have?

The American Gold Eagles have been available in four distinct denominations since it was released under the gold bullion coin act of 1985, each with a different face value depending on the weight of a US dollar. The weights are assigned to the various denominations, and the four weights are as follows:

One-Tenth Ounce Coins

The 1/10-ounce coins have a face value of $5 and weigh 3.93 grams.

Quarter-Ounce Coins

The 1/4 ounce coins come with a face value of $10 and weigh 8.48 grams.

Half-Ounce Coins

½ ounce coins have a face value of $10 and weigh around 16.96 grams in total.

One-Ounce Coins

The 1-ounce gold American Eagle weighs around 33.93 grams and has a face value of $50.

Even though the coins are assigned distinct face values, there are a number of factors that influence the price of gold coins. There is the melt value of the gold, historical value, aesthetic qualities, mint year, grading of the coins, the rarity of the coins, and last but not least, the collectible edition of the coin, etc., to evaluate the gold’s worth.

Gold Eagle Bullion Coin

Because alloys are added to the coin, the American Eagle Gold Coin is one of the most stable types of bullion coins available. After its first release in 1986, the coin was manufactured practically every year. The American Eagle Coin has undergone ups and downs in mintage throughout the span of thirty-six years, but it is still recognized as one of the most precious coins in the world.

In 1986, gold bullion coins were released, and the one-ounce coin sold for $1.3 million, and the gold eagle purity remained the same to date. Correspondingly, the coins’ demand for 1/4, 1/2, and 1/10 ounces is 726031, 599566, and 912609. The demand for the coins fell in the 1980s and 1990s before rising again in the early 2000s. There was the Great Recession in 2008 when the price of a one-ounce gold Eagle touched new highs of 1.4 million dollars.

The year of mintage also moved in a negative direction from 2014 and 2016. In 2021, the demand for 1 ounce, 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10 ounce of American Eagle was 1.1 million, ninety-five thousand, one sixty-two thousand, and four hundred and ninety thousand.

1 Oz. American Gold Eagle

Since its mintage, the $50 face value American Gold Eagle has been one of the most sought-after coins. This coin was also one of the most widely exchanged in American history. The one-ounce gold coins have a consistent association with the spot gold price. When the first gold $50 American Eagle coin was produced, few individuals were enthusiastic about the collection, and many were cautious about the polish and quality of the coins. The 1-ounce coin received a grade of 70 from the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation and the Professional Coin Grading Service, making it the ideal graded coin. Collectors’ proof coins for the one-ounce coin are also available. The currency is presently being manufactured at the West Mint Point, as shown by the “W” mark underneath its date.

½ Oz. American Gold Eagle

This coin is well-known among collectors, and if you’re seeking a cheap option to get one-ounce coins, this is it. The coin’s famous design is worth every bit of attention, and it is a great, attractive bullion piece. The value of a half-ounce gold coin fluctuates over time, and because of the face value and gold content, it is most likely affected by the spot price of gold. On the other hand, collectors appear to command a significant premium because of the limited mintage.

¼ Oz. American Gold Eagle

The quarter-ounce gold coin is 1.8 mm thick and has a face value of $10. The coin’s diameter is also smaller than that of its half-ounce and one-ounce predecessors. If you want to amass a large collection of American Gold Eagle quarter-ounce coins, you may simply do it. The coins are NGC and PCGS certified, and these coins are an excellent way to supplement a numismatic collection.

1/10 Oz. American Gold Eagle

This is the most affordable variant of the American Gold Eagle, and these coins are also produced on a yearly basis. Proof burnished uncirculated, and the reverse proof coin is available for the 1/10-ounce Gold Eagle. The coin is well-known because it is ideal for collectors and stackers all around the world. The thickness and diameter of the 1/10-ounce gold coins are both smaller than those of their predecessors, measuring 1.19 mm and 16.5 mm, respectively. This bullion coin is constructed of silver and copper alloy as well.

Proof Gold American Eagles

American Gold Eagle Proof Coins are more valuable than bullion coins, and the face value of proof coins is higher than the face value and is closely related to the spot price of gold and the purity of the gold. The proof coins are significant since they are certified by NCG and PCSG, two of the most respected certification firms.

The flow of proof gold eagles has also shifted over time as a result of demand. However, the demand rate is slightly higher than that of its bullion equivalents. The Gold Eagle Proof coin features a fractional ounce that began in 1987 with the 1/2 oz. Coins, and the 1/4 oz. and 1/10 oz. Gold Eagle coins were produced as proofs in 1988. The last date of the Proofs mint was in 2015. Due to sourcing problems and legal obligations, no proof coin was released in 2009.

Make sure to check out our full list of best gold coins to invest in to see what other coins compare to the American Gold Eagle Coin.

Burnished American Gold Eagles

The burnished American Gold Eagle coins were originally minted in 2006 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the American Gold Eagle. The coins were created for numismatists and collectors to show. These coins are also known as uncirculated coins, and a different process is used to strike the burnished or uncirculated coins.

Both burnished and uncirculated American Gold Eagles were initially offered in four different weights, but in 2009, both uncirculated and proof coin manufacturing was discontinued, and eventually, only the 1 oz. Gold coin was created with lower mintage statistics than before. The most recent coins bear the “W” mintmark, and there are around 6,000 burnished pieces in circulation with the 2020 date.

Even though their mintage technique is identical to proof coins, burnished coins most closely resemble a bullion coin. The polishing of these coins becomes more noticeable as more pressure is applied, resulting in a frosted look. Lady Liberty’s appearance on the Burnished Eagle Coins is significantly more detailed. Wet sand is utilized in the procedure.

Certified Bullion American Gold Eagles

The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation and Professional Coin Grading Service may grade coins on the Sheldon Numeric Scale from 1 to 70, with 70 denoting a flawless finish. Dr. William Sheldon devised this grading system, which provides a complete assessment of the condition of a gold coin. Prior to the scale, gold coin grading was characterized as “good,” “fine,” and “uncirculated.”

The majority of the certified bullion Gold Eagle coins are graded MS70 or MS69. MS is an abbreviation for Mint State, which refers to coins minted as a circulating issue and is assigned to grades 60 to 70. PF starts with proof coins and works its way up to collector’s editions. With MS70, the coins are reported to be excellent, with full shine and no defects, even at 5x magnification. The coins with MS69 are in near-perfect condition, with the exception of two small defects, such as hairlines. These coins are also known as first-day release coins and early release coins.

Certified Proof American Gold Eagles

The proof coins may also be validated using the Sheldon Numeric Scales, and they come in PF70, PF69, and Ultra-deep or Ultra cameo varieties. The background is significantly sharper and more fully mirrored in the ultra-version. The PF grade corresponds to the bullion Gold Eagle coins.

Are American Eagle Gold Coins a Good Investment?

American Gold Eagle Coins are a great investment since they keep their worth even after being liquidated. The gold coins are significantly more durable and will not degrade over time than the 24-carat gold coins. As such, these coins, particularly the 1 oz. Gold American Eagle investment is great since the spot price of gold is much more critical in this scenario. You can even invest in eagle coin cryptocurrency for a diversified portfolio.

Market Price for American Gold Eagles

The spot price of gold determines the market price of the American Gold Eagle, and if you are purchasing through a broker, we recommend comparing the Golden Eagle Coins Company Sellers. If you are unsure about the rate, simply enter “premium” into your search box, and it will display the profit margin of the American Gold Eagle Coins.

Conclusion

When you’re ready to buy the American gold Eagle or the Golden Eagle Gold Coins, make sure you have a checklist. Before making any purchase, assess your budget, investment kinds, shipping and taxes, storage, etc. Also, because the American Gold Eagle will be a unique investment product, make sure you comprehend all alternatives. Also, while selling gold, make certain that you are doing so at the spot price of gold. And to obtain an average cost, the gold coin gathering method must be flawless.

About Arthur Karter

Hi, I’m Arthur, and nobody wants to wake up in their 50s like me that they are in serious debt with minimal assets. This wake-up call forced me to reevaluate everything. After going through the school of Hard Knocks, I’m ready to help you by sharing the best retirement choices and how they differ from all the same-old, same-old options that financial advisors sell. These alternatives will help you build and protect your wealth.