American Eagle Gold coins, courtesy of The U.S. Mint, have been minted from 1986 to the present.

The gold coins are created from 22-karat gold with a small amount of alloy to make the coins more durable, resulting in less wear and tear on the coins from handling. These coins are guaranteed by the US government as far as weight, purity, and content.

The obverse of this beautiful coin bears Lady Liberty with a torch and olive branch, and the word “LIBERTY” with the year inscribed.  On the reverse side of the coin, a male Eagle returns to the nest with a female eagle and eaglet. If you are interested in investing in a gold American Eagle coin, read on for some interesting facts to know before you buy. 

Specifications Of Gold American Eagle Coins

Gold American Eagles coins are produced from 22-karat gold and are 91.67% pure gold. There is also up to 5.33% copper as well as 3% silver added to them to make them more durable and harder to scratch or etch. The weight of the copper and silver do not detract from the amount of actual gold in the coins but are added to the actual gold weight, or AGW, of each coin.

Face Values Versus Actual Values 

American Eagle gold coins are minted in four face values consisting of the following coins:

• One-tenth ounce with an assigned $5 face value, and is 16.5 mm in diameter.
• One-quarter ounce with an assigned $10 face value, and is 22 mm in diameter.
• One-half ounce with an assigned $25 face value, and is 27 mm in diameter.
• One ounce with an assigned $50 face value, and is 32.7 mm in diameter.

Although you could spend an American Eagle gold coin that has a face value of $5.00 as legal tender for a substitute of say a $5.00 bill, that may not be in your best interest.

The denomination of the coins doesn’t always correspond to the market value of the gold content. Depending on the condition of your coin and the year minted, it could be worth substantially more than just $5.00 based on the melt value. 

Types Of Gold American Eagles

All American Gold Eagle coins come in four different varieties proof, reverse proof, bullion, and burnished. Let’s take a closer look at the different types available.

• Proof American Gold Eagles are sold directly to the general public by the United States Mint since 1986. They are really shiny mirror-finish coins that are sold for a premium for their beautiful finish and are bought mainly by collectors.
• Reverse-proof coins have a frosted finish with any raised areas having the mirror finish of the traditional proof coins. So far it has only been minted in the $50.00 coin.
• Bullion American Gold Eagles are produced in large numbers. These are generally not sold to the public but are bought by authorized dealers to sell to the buyers individually or in bulk. They are less expensive than other varieties.
• Burnished Gold American Eagle coins are considered premium coins with a soft matte look. The burnished version was first produced in 2006 in all four denominations, but with the $50.00 coin being the most often produced.

Actual Values Gold American Eagle Coins

The actual value of gold coins, including the Gold American Eagle coin is related to the current price of gold. Your gold American Eagle coin could be significantly higher in value than the denomination denoted on the front. For example, a 1/10-ounce $5.00 gold American Eagle coin currently sells for around $250.00.

You can clearly see where the actual value of the gold in this coin is worth far more than the face value. So while you could spend the coin as legal tender, you would be losing out significantly on the true value of the coin.

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