American Gold Eagle

History of The American Gold Eagle

Gold Eagles are the official bullion coin of the United States and legally can only be produced with gold that was mined in the U.S. The Gold Eagle made its debut in 1986 and has a gold composition of 91.67 percent and is 22 karats. The rest of the coin is made up of 3 percent silver and 5.33 percent copper, to provide the coin with strength and prevent it from getting scratches and marring. Gold Eagles are backed by the United States government for their weight and purity, which are measured in troy ounces. Troy ounces are the measurement units which are used to price and weigh precious metals.

This US minted coin has world-wide appeal to both collectors and investors. Many find this coin to be among the most beautiful and desirable bullion coin series ever minted. The international affection for these coins is by no means an accident; these coins were conceived and designed from the very beginning to be not only visually stunning and without rival, but to have detail and minting standards that other mints around the world could only envy. All in all, it would be fair to say that these coins were designed to flaunt the wealth, beauty, and craftmanship of the United States Mint using the medium of a fine gold alloy.

The American Gold Eagle is the premier gold bullion coins minted by the United States Government as directed by Congressional Act: Read the Original Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985

American Gold Eagle Production and Design

These bullion coins are minted on very unique presses that create immense pressures that physically liquefy’s the gold and results in crisp and clear detailing of the most intricate designs incorporated into Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Walking Liberty design on the front, and Miley Busiek’s nested Bald Eagles design on the reverse side of the coin. Both men’s understanding of the coin production and minting process is reflected in minute details that can only be fully appreciated under a microscope.

While there are many beautiful bullion coins being produced today, none arguably are as complex in design and execution as the American Gold Eagle coins. To the novice eye the design is seen as beautiful and intricate. To the trained eye, the coin is a complex work of art nearly impossible to replicate or counterfeit. It is for this particular reason that American minted coins are favored around the world as an easily distinguishable and acceptable medium of wealth exchange.

Video: How To Spot A Fake American Gold Eagle

Due to their popularity and value American Gold Eagles are a popular coin among counterfeiters. Here is a video of some tests you can perform at home to validate the authenticity of your Gold Eagle.

Investing in Gold Eagle Coins

Investors who seek alternative investments to the stock and real estate markets have been exploring investing in precious metals. Because economic conditions change from time to time and you can’t always count on the real estate or stock market to generate a return on investment. Many investors are diversifying part of their financial portfolio with gold. Many investors who choose precious metals as an investment often choose gold bullion. The bullion can be bought at various weights in either bar or coin form. The term bullion refers to precious metals in bulk form which are commonly traded on commodity markets. The value of bullion is normally calculated by the value of its precious metals content, which is defined by its purity and weight.

American Gold Eagles are produced at the United States Mint, their weight and purity are backed by the United States Government and they are all made of 22 karat gold. The value of each coin is going to vary depending upon several factors but they are all going to make great portfolio diversifiers. Gold Eagles are minted at the San Francisco Mint, Denver Mint, Philadelphia Mint, New York Mint, and West Point Mint. The proof versions are only minted at West Point. Gold Eagles are produced in a variety of sizes including 1oz, 1/2oz, 1/4oz, and 1/10oz. The value of where the coin was minted will depend on what year the coin is and if there is any story behind that particular coin.

It is advantageous to purchase coins of different values because it will help you to build a diversified portfolio. Experts would recommend including bullion coins, foreign gold coins, and some rare coins in your portfolio. Just like other investments, you want to build a well-diversified portfolio. Each of these categories of coins is going to grow at its own rate.

United States Gold Bullion Coin Regulations

Just as all bullion coins are not minted equally, neither does the Government of The United States treat all gold bullion coins equally. In addition to being eligible for investment inside of an IRA, there are other financial benefits to holding American Gold Eagle coins over the bullion products of other countries such as daily liquidation limits and privacy. US Mint Flyer 

Why 1 oz American Gold Eagles Are Popular With Investors

The American gold eagle is the most popular method of owning gold in the form of a coin. Many experts agree that investing in gold Eagle coins is a great choice.

1.) The Gold American Eagle is very popular coin and obtains a worldwide audience, and outperforms other gold bullion coins because they carry low premiums.

2.) Gold bullion can be included in an IRA. The gold bullion of choice is the 1 oz Gold American Eagle for IRA’s.

3.) The coin’s buy and sell prices are posted daily by dealers all over the world making the American Gold Eagle is highly liquid, easy to buy and sell.

4.) The 1oz American Gold Eagle contains 1oz of gold along with a little bit of copper in order to create durability for the coin.

5.) The 1oz American Gold Eagles come in plastic tubes of 20 coins or a Monster Box of 500 1oz American Gold Eagles, 25 tubes of 20 coins. These coins are easy to store and transport.

6.) Unlike other gold bullion coins such as the 1oz South African Krugerrand or the 1oz Canadian Maple Leaf, the 1oz American Gold Eagle is exempt from Federal Form 1099B when buying or selling the coin. 

The American Gold Eagles are minted in several dominations.

The legal tender face value for the various sized coins are $5 (1/1 0 oz.), $10 (1/4 oz.), $25 (1/2 oz.), and $50 (1 oz.). The value of Gold Eagles is not based on their face value but rather their precious metal content. The only difference between the various Gold Eagle coins is their size and weight; they all have the same obverse and reverse design. Follow these links to all the different coin dominations.
1 oz American Gold Eagle Coins - Common Date 
1/2 oz American Gold Eagle Coins
1/4 oz American Gold Eagle Coins
1/10 oz American Gold Eagle Coins

Buying Gold Eagles

There are several factors that play a role in the value of gold Eagles. These factors include its population, mintage, and the history or significance of the coin. To discuss these benefits in detail, please call an ITM Trading Precious Metals Consultant today at 1.888.OWN.GOLD.