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United States | |
Value | 5–50 U.S. dollars (face value); see specifications |
---|---|
Edge | Reeded |
Composition | 91.67% Au, 3% Ag, 5.33% Cu |
Years of minting | 1986–present (bullion) 1986–2008, 2010–present (proof) 2006–2008, 2011–present (uncirculated) |
Obverse | |
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Design | Liberty |
Designer | Augustus Saint-Gaudens |
Design date | 1907 |
Design used | 1986–present |
Reverse | |
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Design | Eagle soaring above a nest |
Designer | Miley Busiek |
Design date | 1986 |
Design used | 1986–2021 |
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Design | Side profile of a Bald eagle |
Designer | Jennie Norris |
Design date | 2021 |
Design used | 2021–present |
The American Gold Eagle is an official gold bullion coin of the United States. Authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, it was first released by the United States Mint in 1986. Because the term "eagle" also is the official United States designation for pre-1933 ten dollars gold coins, the weight of the bullion coin is typically used when describing American Gold Eagles (e.g., "1/2-ounce American Gold Eagle") to avoid confusion. This is particularly true with the 1/4-oz American Gold Eagle, which has a marked face value of ten dollars.
Offered in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz denominations, these coins are guaranteed by the U.S. government to contain the stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces. By law, the gold must come from sources in the United States, alloyed with silver and copper to produce a more wear-resistant coin. In addition, sales of these and other specie coins from the US Mint are mandated, at least in part, to pay off the national debt. [1]
The 22 kt gold alloy is an English standard traditionally referred to as "crown gold". Crown gold alloys had not been used in U.S. coins since 1834, with the gold content having dropped since 1837 to a standard of 0.900 fine for U.S. gold coins. For American Gold Eagles the gold fraction was increased again to .9167 or (22 karat). It is authorized by the United States Congress and is backed by the United States Mint for weight and content.
The obverse design features a rendition of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' full-length figure of Lady Liberty with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left, with the Capitol building in the left background. The design is taken from the $20 Saint-Gaudens gold coin which was commissioned by Theodore Roosevelt to create coins like the ancient Greek and Roman coins.
From 1986 to 2021, the reverse design by sculptor Miley Busiek Frost (MB) featured a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her eaglet. Frost says that her eagle design of the family of eagles is “a symbolic tribute to the American family, senior citizens and young people. Frost’s design drawing was sculpted for the reverse of the Gold Eagle by US Mint sculptor - engraver Sherl Joseph Winter (JW). Hence, on the reverse of these coins, the initials MB and JW are inscribed.
In 2021, the US Mint introduced a new reverse design on the American Gold Eagle featuring a close-up head portrait of an eagle. This design was created by US Mint artistic designer Jennie Norris (JN) and sculpted by US Mint medallic artist Renata Gordon (RG). Hence, Gold Eagles from 2021 onwards, show the initials JN and RG on each side of the eagle head design. Norris explains her design inspiration as follows: “The American Eagle is such a noble bird. I was hoping to capture the intensity of his stare through the close cropping. His gaze speaks of pride and wisdom passed down through generations of time.” [2]
Gold Eagles minted 1986–1991 are dated with Roman numerals. In 1992, the U.S. Mint switched to Arabic numerals for dating Gold Eagles.
The 1/10, 1/4, and 1/2 troy oz coins are identical in design to the 1 troy oz coin except for the markings on the reverse side that indicate the weight and face value of the coin (for example, 1 OZ. fine gold~50 dollars). The print on the smaller coins is, therefore, finer and less legible than on larger denominations.
Denomination | 1/10 troy oz | 1/4 troy oz | 1/2 troy oz | 1 troy oz |
---|---|---|---|---|
Diameter | 16.5 mm | 22mm | 27 mm | 32.70 mm |
Thickness | 1.19 mm | 1.83 mm | 2.24 mm | 2.87 mm |
Gross weight | 0.1091 troy oz (3.393 g) | 0.2727 troy oz (8.483 g) | 0.5454 troy oz (16.965 g) | 1.0909 troy oz (33.931 g) |
Face value | $5 | $10 | $25 | $50 |
The 22k gold alloyed makeup of Gold Eagle coins stands in contrast to the 24k Gold Buffalo Coin, which is minted entirely from .9999 fine gold, and therefore weighs less (1 troy oz or 31.1035 grams gross).
The market value of the coins is generally about equal to the market value of their gold content, not their face value. Like all commodities, this value fluctuates with market forces. The face values are proportional to the weights except for the 1/4 oz coin.
While their actual selling price (purchasing power) varies based on the current spot price of gold, [3] these coins carry face values of $5, $10, $25, and $50. These are their legal values, reflecting their issue and monetized value as "Gold Dollars", as opposed to standard bullion. They are legal tender [4] for all debts public and private at their face values. These face values do not reflect their intrinsic value which is much greater and is mainly dictated by their weight and the current precious metal price. For example, on September 13, 2019, the U.S. Mint sold the 2016 one-ounce coin ($50 face value) at $1,510.00. [5] Since the coins can be "paid" only at a disadvantage to the payer, they are generally held as collectibles rather than money, and for US taxpayers are subject to a high capital gains tax rate unless held in an individual retirement account. [6] [7]
In addition to standard bullion coins (sometimes referred to as "scruffies"), the United States Mint also produces proof and uncirculated versions for coin collectors. These coins carry the Mint's mark ("W") beneath the date, and are produced exclusively at the West Point Mint in West Point, New York (formerly the West Point Bullion Depository).
The figures listed below are the final audited mintages from the U.S. Mint and include coins sold both individually and as part of multi-coin sets. [8]
Year | $5 – 1⁄10 oz. | $10 – 1⁄4 oz. | $25 – 1⁄2 oz. | $50 – 1 oz. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1986 | 912,609 | 726,031 | 599,566 | 1,362,650 |
1987 | 580,266 | 269,255 | 131,255 | 1,045,500 |
1988 | 159,500 | 49,000 | 45,000 | 465,500 |
1989 | 264,790 | 81,789 | 44,829 | 415,790 |
1990 | 210,210 | 41,000 | 31,000 | 373,210 |
1991 | 165,200 | 36,100 | 24,100 | 243,100 |
1992 | 209,300 | 59,546 | 54,404 | 275,000 |
1993 | 210,709 | 71,864 | 73,324 | 480,192 |
1994 | 206,380 | 72,650 | 62,400 | 221,663 |
1995 | 223,025 | 83,752 | 53,474 | 200,636 |
1996 | 401,964 | 60,318 | 39,287 | 189,148 |
1997 | 528,515 | 108,805 | 79,605 | 664,508 |
1998 | 1,344,520 | 309,829 | 169,029 | 1,468,530 |
1999 | 2,750,338 | 564,232 | 263,013 | 1,505,026 |
2000 | 569,153 | 128,964 | 79,287 | 433,319 |
2001 | 269,147 | 71,280 | 48,047 | 143,605 |
2002 | 230,027 | 62,027 | 70,027 | 222,029 |
2003 | 245,029 | 74,029 | 79,029 | 416,032 |
2004 | 250,016 | 72,014 | 98,040 | 417,019 |
2005 | 300,043 | 72,015 | 80,023 | 356,555 |
2006 | 285,006 | 60,004 | 66,005 | 237,510 |
2007 | 190,010 | 34,004 | 47,002 | 140,016 |
2008 | 305,000 | 70,000 | 61,000 | 710,000 |
2009 | 270,000 | 110,000 | 110,000 | 1,493,000 |
2010 | 435,000 | 86,000 | 81,000 | 1,125,000 |
2011 | 350,000 | 80,000 | 70,000 | 857,000 |
2012 | 290,000 | 90,000 | 43,000 | 675,000 |
2013 | 555,000 | 114,500 | 57,000 | 758,500 |
2014 | 545,000 | 90,000 | 35,000 | 425,000 |
2015 | 980,000 | 158,000 | 75,000 | 626,500 |
2016 | 925,000 | 152,000 | 74,000 | 817,500 |
2017 | 395,000 | 64,000 | 37,000 | 228,000 |
2018 | 230,000 | 62,000 | 32,000 | 191,000 |
2019 | 195,000 | 38,000 | 30,000 | 108,000 |
2020 | 350,000 | 106,000 | 70,000 | 747,500 |
2021 Type-1 | 150,000 | 56,000 | 31,000 | 456,500 |
2021 Type-2 | 350,000 | 108,000 | 65,000 | 665,500 |
During the series' initial year, the Mint only issued 1 troy oz proofs. It added 1⁄2 troy oz proofs in 1987 and since 1988 released proof variants of all four denominations. In 2009, due to increased worldwide demand for precious metals that precipitated sourcing problems and the Mint's legal obligations to produce bullion versions, proof and uncirculated versions of the Gold Eagle were not issued. [9]
Year | $5 – 1⁄10 oz. | $10 – 1⁄4 oz. | $25 – 1⁄2 oz. | $50 – 1 oz. |
---|---|---|---|---|
1986 | - | - | - | 446,290 |
1987 | - | - | 143,398 | 147,498 |
1988 | 143,881 | 98,028 | 76,528 | 87,133 |
1989 | 84,647 | 54,170 | 44,798 | 54,570 |
1990 | 99,349 | 62,674 | 51,636 | 62,401 |
1991 | 70,334 | 50,839 | 53,125 | 50,411 |
1992 | 64,874 | 46,269 | 40,976 | 44,826 |
1993 | 58,649 | 46,464 | 43,819 | 34,369 |
1994 | 62,849 | 48,172 | 44,584 | 46,674 |
1995 | 62,667 | 47,526 | 45,388 | 46,368 |
1996 | 57,047 | 38,219 | 35,058 | 36,153 |
1997 | 34,977 | 29,805 | 26,344 | 32,999 |
1998 | 39,395 | 29,503 | 25,374 | 25,886 |
1999 | 48,428 | 34,417 | 30,427 | 31,427 |
2000 | 49,971 | 36,036 | 32,028 | 33,007 |
2001 | 37,530 | 25,613 | 23,240 | 24,555 |
2002 | 40,864 | 29,242 | 26,646 | 27,499 |
2003 | 40,027 | 30,292 | 28,270 | 28,344 |
2004 | 35,131 | 28,839 | 27,330 | 28,215 |
2005 | 49,265 | 37,207 | 34,311 | 35,246 |
2006 | 47,277 | 36,127 | 34,322 | 47,092 |
2007 | 58,553 | 46,189 | 44,025 | 51,810 |
2008 | 28,116 | 18,877 | 22,602 | 30,237 |
2009 | - | - | - | - |
2010 | 54,285 | 44,507 | 44,527 | 59,480 |
2011 | 42,697 | 28,782 | 26,781 | 48,306 |
2012 | 20,740 | 13,775 | 12,809 | 23,630 |
2013 | 21,742 | 12,789 | 12,718 | 24,710 |
2014 | 22,725 | 14,790 | 14,693 | 28,703 |
2015 | 26,769 | 15,775 | 15,820 | 32,652 |
In 2009, the allocation of blanks towards the legally required production of bullion Gold Eagles affected both uncirculated coin and proof availability. This suspension continued into 2010 for the uncirculated version. When production resumed in 2011 (without the fractional denominations which had been discontinued in 2008), it was met with a weak collector response. [10] The United States Mint provided audited and finalized annual production sales reports between 2006-2012. [11] Afterwards, production sales numbers were provided by the United States Mint in the weekly cumulative sales reports. [12] Volume number is the Last Known Sale (LKS), which is the last sales figure published for that product before it was dropped from the sales report.
Year | $5 – 1⁄10 oz. | $10 – 1⁄4 oz. | $25 – 1⁄2 oz. | $50 – 1 oz. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2006-W | 20,643 | 15,188 | 15,164 | 45,053 |
2007-W | 22,501 | 12,766 | 11,455 | 18,066 |
2008-W | 12,657 | 8,883 | 16,682 | 11,908 |
2009-W | - | - | - | - |
2010-W | - | - | - | - |
2011-W | - | - | - | 8,729 |
2012-W | - | - | - | 5,829 |
2013-W | - | - | - | 7,293 |
2014-W | - | - | - | 7,902 |
2015-W [13] | - | - | - | 6,533 |
2016-W [14] | - | - | - | 6,887 |
2017-W [15] | - | - | - | 5,800 |
2018-W [16] | - | - | - | 8,518 |
2019-W [17] | - | - | - | 6,365 |
2020-W [18] | - | - | - | 6,284 |
The Krugerrand is a South African coin, first minted on 3 July 1967 to help market South African gold and produced by Rand Refinery and the South African Mint. The name is a compound of Paul Kruger, the former President of the South African Republic, and rand, the South African unit of currency. On the reverse side of the Krugerrand is a pronking springbok, South Africa's national animal.
The quarter, short for quarter dollar, is a United States coin worth 25 cents, one-quarter of a dollar. The coin sports the profile of George Washington on its obverse, and after 1998 its reverse design has changed frequently. It has been produced on and off since 1796 and consistently since 1831.
The dollar coin is a United States coin with a face value of one United States dollar. Dollar coins have been minted in the United States in gold, silver, and base metal versions. Dollar coins were first minted in the United States in 1794.
A double eagle is a gold coin of the United States with a denomination of $20. The coins are 34 mm x 2 mm and are made from a 90% gold and 10% copper alloy and have a total weight of 1.0750 troy ounces.
The eagle was a United States $10 gold coin issued by the United States Mint from 1792 to 1933.
The American Silver Eagle is the official silver bullion coin of the United States.
The American Platinum Eagle is the official platinum bullion coin of the United States. In 1995, Director of the United States Mint Philip N. Diehl, American Numismatic Association President David L. Ganz, and Platinum Guild International Executive Director Jacques Luben began the legislative process of creating the Platinum Eagle. After over two years of work, the 99.95% fine platinum coins were released by the United States Mint in 1⁄10, 1⁄4, 1⁄2 and 1 troy oz denominations. In late 2008, the fractional denominations were discontinued, leaving only the one ounce denomination. The Platinum Eagle is authorized by the United States Congress, and is backed by the United States Mint for weight, content, and purity.
Britannia coins are British bullion coins issued by the Royal Mint in gold since 1987, in silver since 1997, and in platinum since 2018. The coin patterns feature various depictions of Britannia, a feminine personification of the United Kingdom.
This glossary of numismatics is a list of definitions of terms and concepts relevant to numismatics and coin collecting, as well as sub-fields and related disciplines, with concise explanations for the beginner or professional.
The quarter eagle was a gold coin issued by the United States with a value of two hundred and fifty cents, or two dollars and fifty cents. It was given its name in the Coinage Act of 1792, as a derivation from the US ten-dollar eagle coin.
The Chinese Silver Panda is a series of silver bullion coins issued by the People's Republic of China. The design of the panda is changed every year and minted in different sizes and denominations, ranging from 0.5 troy oz. to 1 kilogram. Starting in 2016, Pandas switched to metric sizes. The 1 troy ounce coin was reduced to 30 grams, while the 5 troy ounce coin was reduced to 150 grams. There is also a Gold Panda series issued featuring the same designs as the Silver Panda coins.
The American Buffalo, also known as a gold buffalo, is a 24-karat bullion coin first offered for sale by the United States Mint in 2006. The coin follows the design of the Indian Head nickel and has gained its nickname from the American Bison on the reverse side of the design. This was the first time the United States Government minted pure (.9999) 24-karat gold coins for the public. The coin contains one-troy ounce (31.1g) of pure gold and has a legal tender (face) value of US$50. Due to a combination of the coin's popularity and the increase in the price of gold the coin's value has increased considerably. The initial 2006 U.S. Mint price of the proof coin was $800. In 2007 the price was $899.95, $1,410 in 2009, and $2,010 in 2011.
The half eagle is a United States coin that was produced for circulation from 1795 to 1929 and in commemorative and bullion coins since 1983. Composed almost entirely of gold, its face value of five dollars is half that of the eagle coin. Production of the half eagle was authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, and it was the first gold coin minted by the United States.
The Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf is the official bullion platinum coin of Canada. First issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1988, it was available until 2002 in five different denominations, all of which are marked as containing .9995 pure platinum. The bullion coin was partly reintroduced in 2009 in the form of the 1 troy ounce denomination in .9999 purity, featuring a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. The coins have legal tender status in Canada, but as is often the case with bullion coins, the face values of these coins is lower than the market price of the material they are made from.
The Chinese Gold Panda is a series of gold bullion coins issued by the People's Republic of China. The Official Mint of the People's Republic of China introduced the panda gold bullion coins in 1982. The panda design changes every year and the Gold Panda coins come in different sizes and denominations, ranging from 1⁄20 to 1 troy ounce.
The America the Beautiful silver bullion coins comprise a series of silver bullion coins with a face value of a quarter dollar. The coins contain five troy ounces of silver, making them the largest silver bullion coins ever issued by the United States Mint. The design of the coins duplicates exactly—though enlarged—each of the America the Beautiful quarters. They were issued from 2010 to 2021. The coins were available for sale during the year in which their corresponding circulating coin is issued. The coins are distributed by the United States Mint's network of authorized bullion dealers, and may be resold at the discretion of the Director of the National Park Service.
The Russian George the Victorious is a bullion coin issued in gold and silver by the Central Bank of Russia. Mintage began in 2006 with quarter-troy ounce (7.78g) gold coins with a face value of 50 rubles and later in 2009 a one-troy ounce silver coin was introduced with a face value of 3 rubles. Since then, tenth, half, and one-troy ounce gold coins have been minted.
A gold coin is a coin that is made mostly or entirely of gold. Most gold coins minted since 1800 are 90–92% gold (22‑karat), while most of today's gold bullion coins are pure gold, such as the Britannia, Canadian Maple Leaf, and American Buffalo. Alloyed gold coins, like the American Gold Eagle and South African Krugerrand, are typically 91.7% gold by weight, with the remainder being silver and copper.
The Vienna Philharmonic, often shortened to Philharmonic, is a bullion coin of gold, silver, or platinum produced by the Austrian Mint. The coin is named for the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra, which inspired the design of both sides. It was introduced in 1989 as a one-troy ounce (ozt), gold coin with a face value of 2,000 Austrian schillings. It is generally one of the world's best selling bullion coins. In 2002, with the adoption of the euro currency, the nominal value of the one-ounce coin was changed to 100 euros. In 2008, the Mint introduced a one-ounce silver version of the coin with a nominal value of 1.50 euros. The silver coin is also one of the top selling bullion coins, ranked third in 2013. In 2016, the mint introduced a one ounce platinum coin with a face value of 100 euros.
The American Palladium Eagle is the official palladium bullion coin of the United States. Each coin has a face value of $25 and is composed of 99.95% fine palladium, with 1 troy ounce actual palladium weight.