Background
American Eagle Gold Proof Coins are collector versions of the official United States Mint bullion coins produced since 1986. They are available in four sizes: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce. All American Eagle Gold Proof Coins contain 91.67 percent (22-karat) gold. The gold weight and diameter will vary with each coin denomination, as specified below. The coins are minted at the U.S. Mint at West Point bearing the “W” mint mark.
The obverse features the figure of Liberty used on the gold coins since 1986. The design is inspired by Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ celebrated 1907 $20 gold piece, the “Double Eagle.” In 2021, the Mint marked the 35th anniversary of the American Eagle Coin Program with an updated designs. The Mint used historical assets such as the original bronze cast to closer reflect Saint-Gaudens’ original vision. The refresh includes modifications to the Capitol Building, stars, torch, sun rays, and other design elements.
Since 2021, the reverse shows a portrait of an eagle. To give the new coins an added level of security, they have also been updated with enhanced security features, including a reeded edge variation.
From 1986 to 2021, the reverse, by sculptor Miley Busiek, depicted an eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a second eagle and hatchlings.
In 2020, the U.S. Mint produced a special End of World War II 75th Anniversary American Eagle Gold Proof Coin featuring a “V75” privy mark. The outline of the privy mark represents the shape of the Rainbow Pool at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.
Characteristics
The obverse 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.
The reverse shows, since 2021, a portrait of an eagle.
Obverse Inscriptions
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- IN GOD WE TRUST
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
Composition is 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper with a reeded edge. Weight and diameter differs between the one, half, quarter, and tenth ounce sizes.
- The one ounce coin, $50 face value, is 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) in diameter, contains one gold troy ounce and weighs 1.0909 troy ounces (33.931 g).
- The one-half ounce coin, $25 face value, is 1.063 inches (27.00 mm) in diameter, contains 0.5000 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.5455 troy ounce (16.966 g).
- The one-quarter ounce coin, $10 face value, is 0.866 inch (22.00 mm) in diameter, contains 0.2500 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.2727 troy ounce (8.483 g).
- The one-tenth ounce coin, $5 face value, is 0.650 inch (16.50 mm) in diameter, contains 0.1000 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.1091 troy ounce (3.393 g).
Artist Information
Obverse- Designer: Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Reverse Related Information
Content last reviewed June 14, 2021
FAQs
Reasons American Silver Eagles are a Good Investment:
This means American Silver Eagles produced under specific conditions guaranteed their rarity. They will maintain their value no matter what happens to American currency. They are priced well and have a great value for the price.
How much gold is in American Eagle Proof set? ›
All American Eagle Gold Proof Coins contain 91.67 percent (22-karat) gold.
What is the mint mark on the gold eagle? ›
Please note that there is no mint mark present on these coins. The mark you see is the artist's initials. American Gold Eagles feature the mint mark on the obverse of the coin directly under the year to the right.
What is a $50 American Eagle gold coin worth? ›
The Greysheet Catalog (GSID) of the $50 Gold Eagles (Proof) series of American Eagles in the U.S. Coins contains 42 distinct entries with CPG® values between $2,590.00 and $22,800.00.
Is it better to buy bullion or proof coins? ›
While bullion and proof coins can appreciate over time, proof coins have the potential for greater price appreciation due to their collectability and limited mintage.
Are gold proof coins worth buying? ›
Since they are of such high quality, gold and silver Proof coins are one of the most in-demand collectibles in the entire market. While Proof coins do cost more than Uncirculated coins, their premium is not so significant that the majority of the value is found in the mark-up.
Are American gold eagles worth it? ›
The face value of 1-oz Gold Eagle coins is $50, the 1/2-oz coins have a face value of $25, the 1/4-oz coins have a value of $10, and the 1/10-oz coins are worth $5. Gold American Eagle coins are very valuable for their size as the resale value of a 1/10-ounce Gold American Eagle Coin is nearly $150.
How much is a 1 oz gold coin worth today? ›
What is the current value of a one ounce Gold American Eagle coin? The current ask purchase price for a one ounce American Gold Eagle is: $2,523.20 and the current Monex bid selling price for one ounce Gold Eagle coin is: $2,436.40.
What is the most valuable gold eagle coin? ›
The world of gold coin collecting holds some incredibly valuable treasures. The 1933 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle, mentioned earlier, holds the record for the most expensive coin ever sold at public auction. It fetched an astounding $18.9 million in June 2021.
What is the rarest mint mark? ›
The Rarest Mint Mark: 1870-CC
The 1870-CC mint mark is especially notable for several coins: 1870-CC Liberty Seated Dollar: This coin is one of the rarest, with only 11,758 pieces minted. In high grades, it can fetch upwards of several hundred thousand dollars.
“Due to their secure nature, high quality, and American orientation.” “22-karat gold, with small amounts of alloy, making the coin harder and more resistant to scratching and marring, retaining a high resale value.” "By law, the American Gold Eagle coins can only be made with gold mined within the United States.”
Are American Eagle gold coins 100% gold? ›
Specifications. Composition is 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper with a reeded edge. Weight and diameter differs between the one, half, quarter, and tenth ounce sizes. The one ounce coin, $50 face value, is 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) in diameter, contains one gold troy ounce and weighs 1.0909 troy ounces (33.931 g).
Can I get a $50 coin from the bank? ›
Where can I get new uncirculated coins? Neither the Federal Reserve Banks nor the U.S. Mint provide coins directly to the public for circulation purposes.
Why does 1 oz gold coin say $50? ›
They are investment-grade coins whose weight, content, and purity are guaranteed by the United States government. Although the coin is also legal tender, its face value of $50 is largely symbolic as the value of the gold it contains has historically been far greater.
Do American Eagle coins increase in value? ›
As the demand for these silver coins increases, their value also raises, thereby serving as a hedge against inflation. In this sense, investing in Silver Eagles can be a smart move for diversifying your investment portfolio and preserving your purchasing power.
Are proof coins worth the investment? ›
Gold-proof coins are the better investment option compared to other options because they are worth more than different sets.
Are coin proof sets worth collecting? ›
Proof coins are the highest quality coins produced by mints across the world. Their unrivalled finish and intricate designs make them particularly admired by collectors, and in terms of craftmanship and attention to detail, they are quite literally worth their weight in gold.
Is Eagle coin worth anything? ›
The currency “face value” of a one ounce American Silver Eagle is one U.S. dollar. However, Silver Eagles are worth close to their intrinsic metal value. General shortage or surpluses of Silver Eagles in the marketplace can affect their worth as related to pure investment grade bullion.
