The Gold Eagle is one of the U.S. Mint’s current official bullion coins. Initially produced in 1986, it marked the country’s first gold bullion since 1933 and was immediately sought after by both investors and collectors. Today, the Gold Eagle remains among the best-selling gold bullion coins in the world. If you’re looking to add a Gold Eagle to your collection or portfolio, Mint State Gold can help. We carry many products in certified Mint State (MS) condition, as well as Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) examples. Browse our inventory below, or contact our office directly for assistance.
History and Details
President Ronald Reagan signed the Gold Bullion Coin Act into law on December 17, 1985. It allowed for the minting of new American gold bullion coins for the first time since 1933, specifying all gold must come from newly minted sources within the United States. As the first modern bullion coins backed by an act of Congress, the U.S. Mint guarantees all American Gold Eagles meet its standards for weight, content, and purity.
Gold Eagles were immediately popular and remain so to this day. Each contains one troy ounce of .9167 fine (22-karat) gold. This equates to about 92% of its overall weight, with the remainder consisting of copper (5%) and silver (3%). These additives make Gold Eagles stronger and more resistant to scratching.
Gold Eagles have a face value of $50, though the current market price of gold largely determines their actual value.
Design Background
As the first U.S. gold bullion coin issued in more than 50 years, great care was taken with the design of the Gold Eagle. Its main elements were borrowed from the renowned $20 Double Eagle, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the early 1900s. On the obverse is a depiction of Lady Liberty, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other — an allegorical representative of the spirit of enlightenment and peace.
The reverse of the Gold Eagle featured a new design by Miley Busiek, depicting an eagle in flight, soaring above its nest while holding an olive branch in its talons. This design is said to represent unity and family, providing a domestic counterpart to the lofty goals of Saint-Gaudens' design.
Investing in Gold
Gold Eagles are a great choice for anyone new to investing in precious metals. Though individual financial goals will vary, we recommend them for short-term investments of a year or less, as they offer low fees and good liquidity. Check out our Investor Library for more information and useful articles that can help you determine the best bullion product to buy.
Browse our Selection of Gold Eagles for Sale
All Gold Eagles for sale in our online store are in Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) condition, or are graded Mint State (MS) by either the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Visit individual product pages for specifications, or to place an order. You can also contact our office and speak with a representative directly.
