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:
 | 1853 VICTORIA SHIELD GOLD SOVEREIGN HIGH GRADE £ 690.00 |
 | 1959 Full Sovereign British Coin Queen Elizabeth II 22ct Gold £ 660.00 |
 | 1887 Victoria Gold Double Sovereign Rare NGC UNC Details (cleaned) £ 1,332.72 |
 | 1898 Queen Victoria Veiled Head Gold Half Sovereign £ 485.00 |
 | *R2 - V.RARE* 1886 M Gold Half Sovereign - £7200 MARSH Value! NGC Graded coin £ 475.00 |
 | 2020 Gold Proof 22ct Half Sovereign Coin - George III 200th GR Privy + COA -WOW! £ 399.00 |
 | 1896 Gold Full Sovereign Mens Ring.Queen Victoria 15.4g stunning pre owned ring. £ 1,179.72 |
 | 2023 King Charles III Coronation Full Sovereign Gold Proof Coin PF70 Graded £ 750.00 |
On eBay USA:
| 1959 Full Sovereign British Coin Queen Elizabeth II 22ct Gold £ 660.00 |
| 1853 VICTORIA SHIELD GOLD SOVEREIGN HIGH GRADE £ 690.00 |
| 1887 Victoria Gold Double Sovereign Rare NGC UNC Details (cleaned) £ 1,332.72 |
| 1898 Queen Victoria Veiled Head Gold Half Sovereign £ 485.00 |
| *R2 - V.RARE* 1886 M Gold Half Sovereign - £7200 MARSH Value! NGC Graded coin £ 475.00 |
| 2020 Gold Proof 22ct Half Sovereign Coin - George III 200th GR Privy + COA -WOW! £ 399.00 |
 | 1974 Gold Sovereign – Stunning British Coin, 22ct Gold - Excellent Condition. £ 649.32 |
 | 1847 VICTORIA SHIELD GOLD SOVEREIGN SCARCE EARLY EXAMPLE £ 695.00 |
| 2023 King Charles III Coronation Full Sovereign Gold Proof Coin PF70 Graded £ 750.00 |
 | Solid 14 ct Gold Proof Coin - British Commemorative - Henry VII - Sovereign £ 47.52 |