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:
 | 1913 22ct Gold Full Sovereign Coin Bullion - London Mint - George V £ 618.72 |
 | 1978 22ct Elizabeth II gold full sovereign £ 700.32 |
 | 1907 22ct Gold Sovereign Edward VII Pendant £ 771.72 |
 | 1853 Gold Victoria Full Sovereign shieldback £ 669.72 |
 | 1957 Elizabeth II Gold Full Sovereign with box and certificate £ 695.00 |
 | 1915 King George V Half Gold Sovereign £ 465.72 |
 | Antique Rolled Gold Sovereign Case, SP Finest Rolled Gold, c.1910 Coin Holder £ 234.72 |
 | 2023 King Charles III Coronation Full Sovereign Gold Proof Coin PF70 Graded £ 750.00 |
On eBay USA:
| 1913 22ct Gold Full Sovereign Coin Bullion - London Mint - George V £ 618.72 |
| 1978 22ct Elizabeth II gold full sovereign £ 700.32 |
| 1907 22ct Gold Sovereign Edward VII Pendant £ 771.72 |
| 1853 Gold Victoria Full Sovereign shieldback £ 669.72 |
| 1957 Elizabeth II Gold Full Sovereign with box and certificate £ 695.00 |
 | *R2 - VRARE* 1881 Gold Half Sovereign Jubilee Head Melbourne Mint - Value £2400+ £ 525.00 |
| 1915 King George V Half Gold Sovereign £ 465.72 |
 | 2017 Elizabeth II Proof Gold Full Sovereign with box and COA 200th Anniversary £ 975.00 |
| Antique Rolled Gold Sovereign Case, SP Finest Rolled Gold, c.1910 Coin Holder £ 234.72 |
| 2023 King Charles III Coronation Full Sovereign Gold Proof Coin PF70 Graded £ 750.00 |