The Premier Gold Coin of the United States
American Gold Eagle coins stand as the official gold bullion of the United States. Struck annually in four weight options and three distinct finishes, these iconic coins embody the power, history, and enduring values of America. Each coin from the U.S. Mint features symbolic imagery, including the revered American bald eagle and the classic depiction of Lady Liberty, both symbols of national pride and resilience.
When buying gold coins, the American Gold Eagle remains the top choice. These coins are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, making them a trusted vehicle for both investors and collectors. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we prioritize authenticity and value, ensuring each American Gold Eagle you purchase is genuine, high-quality, and competitively priced.
The American Gold Eagle Coins were authorized by the U.S. Congress, passing the Gold Bullion Coin Act in 1985. This bill required the minting of coins in four denominations: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz, and created two varieties, bullion and proof. As legal tender, each coin was given a designated face value.
The first coins were struck in 1986. The bullion version launched with all four weights immediately, while only the 1 oz proof coin was available that year. By 1988, the proof line expanded to include all weights.
In 2006, the U.S. Mint released a burnished finish Silver Eagle to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the American Eagle series, specifically to serve the collecting community. The burnished version introduced a new aesthetic quality to the proof coin that was already an established favorite, and the special edition was of interest to those connoisseurs who enjoyed a coin with fine craftwork and finishing.
To produce the design of the American Gold Eagle, the Mint looked to one of the most loved designs in American coin history, which is a classic. In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt personally selected Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign the United States coinage in gold.
His legendary Lady Liberty portrays her walking with a gait and self-confidence. In her right hand, she carries a torch to represent light, and an olive branch to signify peace in her left. The original design was seen on the $20 Gold Double Eagle (circulated between 1907 and 1933), which remains a masterpiece of American numismatic art. Unfortunately, Saint-Gaudens died a little later, before the coin was issued.
Initially, 46 stars circled Liberty to reflect the states in the Union. Two more stars were added in 1912 for New Mexico and Arizona. Later, Hawaii and Alaska’s statehood led to the current 50-star version used on the Gold Eagle.
Its reverse has a nesting pair of bald eagles, which was created by the design of Miley Busiek in 1986. The only design on the Gold Eagle depicts a male eagle coming back to a nest, where the female is keeping their hatchlings, as it represents strength, protection, and unity of the family.
To commemorate the 35th anniversary of the coin, in 2021, the U.S. Mint introduced a new reverse design, changing the coin’s look for the first time. This new design by Jennie Norris, an artist of the U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program, puts the American bald eagle more into focus.
Jennie Norris, who has worked at Crayola, Hasbro, and Target among others, was selected among over 30 design proposals. She has also got practical experience as a raptor handler, and this has enabled her to depict the actual beauty of the eagle in a manner that greatly appeals to both the collectors and the sellers.
The bullion coin is the backbone of the American Gold Eagle program. Each year, all four weights have been offered continuously since the debut in 1986. These coins have stood out in the market, with demand increasing or decreasing in occurrence according to the economic trend and world occurrences.
More than 1.3 million of the 1 oz coins were even sold out in their first year alone. The other sizes were no slouches either, with 1/2 oz selling 599,000, 1/4 oz moving 726,000, and 1/10 oz moving an amazing 912,000. Interest progressed through the early 1990s, shot up by the late 1990s, and culminated during the 2008 recession. The reasons behind these trends are issues like the spot price of gold and other changes experienced in world markets.
If you own any of these bullion coins, now might be the perfect time to sell. At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we keep a close watch on market trends to ensure you get a fair, competitive offer.
There is a reason why collectors love the Proof American Gold Eagle. These coins are made with special attention and fine detail to detail and thus they stand out in a collection. They are the same as bullion coins in face value, but frequently they have a much higher resale value due to their collectible status.
The detail and finish are improved on each of the proof coins through repeated striking against special polished dies. This requires a process that leaves the frosted pattern with an amazing contrast to the mirrored background. If you have proof coins you’re looking to sell, their condition and visual appeal can significantly increase their worth.
At DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS, we specialize in evaluating and buying proof coins at premium rates. Whether you’re selling a single piece or an entire collection, we’re ready to make you an offer.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the series, the U.S. Mint released a Burnished Gold Eagle in 2006, also called the uncirculated. In contrast to the bullion or proof issues, these coins were designed and created by specialist coin issuers interested in subtle beauty and special finish.
The manufacturing starts from the polishing of the planchets using small 6mm balls that impart a satin effect to the planchets. Each blank is then handled carefully with gloves and struck with higher pressure to enhance design details. The result is a softly frosted coin that appears to float above a smooth background.
Although the process is similar to proof coin production, burnished coins have a more subdued finish, similar to bullion but with greater clarity. One key identifier is the “W” mint mark, showing it was struck at the West Point Mint.
These coins are desirable to many collectors. If you have any burnished American Gold Eagles in your possession, now is a great time to consider selling, especially while collector demand remains strong.
Certified Gold Coins are an excellent choice for those looking for coins with exceptional visual brilliance and minimal imperfections. Most modern bullion coins submitted for certification through the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) receive a grade ranging from 1 to 70 on the Sheldon Numeric Scale. Certified Gold Eagles and Certified Proof Gold Eagles remain top picks among both investors and collectors.
If you’re looking for a trusted place to sell American Gold Eagles, reach out to DEIGOLDANDSILVERCOINS today. Whether you have inherited coins, investment pieces, or a full collection, our team is ready to make you a fair and immediate offer.
Call us or visit our location for a free appraisal. We proudly serve individuals nationwide and have built our reputation on honesty, industry knowledge, and certified expertise.
DEIGoldAndSilverCoins offers over 50 years of trusted expertise in buying, selling, and appraising gold and silver coins in Las Vegas. Backed by certifications from CAC, NGC, PCGS, GIA, and AGL, we ensure every transaction is secure, professional, and rewarding.