The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States. It was first released by the United States Mint in 1986. It is offered in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz denominations and is guaranteed to contain the stated amount (in troy ounces) of .9167 fine gold (22 karat). It is authorized by the United States Congress and is backed by the United States Mint for weight and content. At current market value the coins are worth and sell for about $450, $245, $125, and $60 USD respectively. The American Gold Eagle may be used to fund Individual Retirement Account investments. The United States Mint also produces a proof version for coin collectors.

Specifications

1 oz coin:

Diameter: 32.70 mm

Thickness: 2.75 mm

Weight: 1.0910 oz

1/2 oz coin:

Diameter: 27 mm

Thickness: 2.24 mm

Weight: 0.5455 oz

1/4 oz coin:

Diameter: 22 mm

Thickness: 1.83 mm

Weight: 0.272 oz

1/10 oz coin:

Diameter: 16.50 mm

Thickness: 1.19 mm

Weight: 0.1091 oz

The 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz coins are identical in design to the 1 oz coin, the only difference are the markings (on the reverse side) which show:

1 oz. FINE GOLD - 50 DOLLARS

1/2 oz. FINE GOLD - 25 DOLLARS

1/4 oz. FINE GOLD - 10 DOLLARS

1/10 oz. FINE GOLD - 5 DOLLARS

In this case the face values of the coins ($5, $10, $25, $50) are purely symbolic (as is often the case with bullion coins), and thus do not affect the real value of the coin.

See Also

The American Silver Eagle

The American Platinum Eagle

External Link

• United States Mint American Eagles page