The American Gold Eagle Coin was introduced in 1986 as an official gold bullion coin so the USA could compete with other Country’s offerings. It is offered as 1oz, ½oz, ¼oz and tenth oz, both as proof and uncirculated.
As the word ‘Eagle’ is already associated with the pre-1933 $10 coin, the weight of the coin is often used in its description, such as ‘One Ounce American Gold Eagle’.
The Obverse features “Standing Liberty” holding a torch and olive branch, which is a modified version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ $20 gold coin design. The Reverse depicts the “Family of Eagles” motif, designed by Miley Frances Busiek, symbolizing family tradition and unity
The gold used is 22 karat which is 91.67% gold (Crown gold). The rest of the alloy is a mixture of silver (3%) and copper (5.33%) in order to make the coin harder and less prone to damage. The coins have a ‘W’ below the date to indicate they are made at the West Point Mint, New York.
| Description | Face Value | Weight | Diameter | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 troy oz | $50 | 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 g) | 32.70 mm | 2.87 mm |
| 1/2 troy oz | $25 | 0.5454 troy oz (16.965 g) | 27 mm | 2.24 mm |
| 1/4 troy oz | $10 | 0.2727 troy oz (8.483 g) | 22 mm | 1.83 mm |
| 1/10 troy oz | $5 | 0.1091 troy oz (3.393 g) | 16.5 mm | 1.19 mm |
Although intended as a bullion coin with a value tied to the gold spot, some of these coins may carry a considerable premium as they are attractive and popular coins. They are usually sold with presentation case and certificate of authenticity (COA).
Images kindly released by the United States Mint.
On eBay UK:
 | 1910 Half-Sovereign Gold Coin. Edward VII, XF-45 Grade. Collectors Choice £ 295.00 |
 | 22ct Gold Full Sovereign Coin 1900 with 9ct Gold Pendant Mount - Queen Victoria £ 750.00 |
 | 22ct GOLD GEORGE V 1911 FULL SOVEREIGN St GEORGE & DRAGON COIN £ 600.00 |
 | 9ct Yellow Gold on Silver Sovereign Coin Ring - ALL SIZES AVAILABLE inc LARGE £ 29.95 |
 | 1966 22ct Full Gold Sovereign Coin £510 £ 510.00 |
 | 1974 22ct Full Gold Sovereign Coin £510 £ 510.00 |
 | CHUNKY, 22ct FULL Sovereign Gold Coin 9ct Gold mount, 2001, Size Z, Bullion £ 1,249.99 |
 | London Mint Office 2015 Gold 1/4 Quarter Sovereign Coin (1.99g 22ct) Proof £ 209.00 |
On eBay USA:
| 1910 Half-Sovereign Gold Coin. Edward VII, XF-45 Grade. Collectors Choice £ 295.00 |
| 22ct Gold Full Sovereign Coin 1900 with 9ct Gold Pendant Mount - Queen Victoria £ 750.00 |
| 22ct GOLD GEORGE V 1911 FULL SOVEREIGN St GEORGE & DRAGON COIN £ 600.00 |
| 9ct Yellow Gold on Silver Sovereign Coin Ring - ALL SIZES AVAILABLE inc LARGE £ 29.95 |
| 1966 22ct Full Gold Sovereign Coin £510 £ 510.00 |
| 1974 22ct Full Gold Sovereign Coin £510 £ 510.00 |
 | 1964 22ct Full Gold Sovereign Coin £510 £ 510.00 |
 | 1958 22ct Full Gold Sovereign Coin £510 £ 510.00 |
| CHUNKY, 22ct FULL Sovereign Gold Coin 9ct Gold mount, 2001, Size Z, Bullion £ 1,249.99 |
| London Mint Office 2015 Gold 1/4 Quarter Sovereign Coin (1.99g 22ct) Proof £ 209.00 |