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:
 | 1x 2026 Full Sovereign 22ct Gold Coin King Charles III £ 863.50 |
 | Half Sovereign 22ct Gold Coin - Mixed Years | CGT Exempt - GC in Capsule £ 449.99 |
 | 1980 Gold Proof Full Sovereign Coin, Box and COA Royal Mint (UK) £ 975.70 |
 | 2004 Gold Proof Half Sovereign £ 495.88 |
 | 2016 Full Gold Coronation Proof Sovereign £ 1,199.08 |
 | 1885 Queen Victoria Gold Full Sovereign - Melbourne Mint (M) - Young Head £ 875.00 |
 | 1982 UK Gold Half Sovereign Elizabeth II St George Bullion Coin £ 516.70 |
 | 2009 Gold Quarter Sovereign Coin Watch – Limited Edition (1 of 450) Certificate £ 516.70 |
On eBay USA:
| 1x 2026 Full Sovereign 22ct Gold Coin King Charles III £ 863.50 |
| Half Sovereign 22ct Gold Coin - Mixed Years | CGT Exempt - GC in Capsule £ 449.99 |
| 1980 Gold Proof Full Sovereign Coin, Box and COA Royal Mint (UK) £ 975.70 |
| 2004 Gold Proof Half Sovereign £ 495.88 |
| 2016 Full Gold Coronation Proof Sovereign £ 1,199.08 |
| 1885 Queen Victoria Gold Full Sovereign - Melbourne Mint (M) - Young Head £ 875.00 |
 | 1988 Gold Proof Half Sovereign - Royal Mint Box & COA - Sigma Verified rare coin £ 599.99 |
 | 1910 Full Gold Sovereign Edward VII – St George Reverse – London Mint £ 863.50 |
| 1982 UK Gold Half Sovereign Elizabeth II St George Bullion Coin £ 516.70 |
| 2009 Gold Quarter Sovereign Coin Watch – Limited Edition (1 of 450) Certificate £ 516.70 |