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Origin and history of the American Eagle
The US government introduced the American Eagle in 1986, inspired by the success of the South African Krugerrand and the Canadian Maple Leaf. Since then, the United States Mint has issued the coin annually in four denominations:
- 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams of pure gold)
- 1/2 troy ounce
- 1/4 troy ounce
- 1/10 troy ounce
The choice of 22-karat gold was deliberate: the addition of copper and silver makes the coin harder and more resistant to scratches and damage. This makes the American Eagle particularly practical for trade and transport.
Design of the gold American Eagle
The design of the American Gold Eagle
The design of the gold American Eagle is one of the most recognizable in the world of investment coins. The coin combines classic American craftsmanship with modern technology: from the original Saint-Gaudens design from 1986 to the updated version from 2021, with extra attention to detail and security.
Classic design (1986–2020)
- Front: based on Augustus Saint-Gaudens' famous 1907 $20 Double Eagle. Lady Liberty is proudly depicted with a torch and olive branch, against a background of sunbeams.Â
- Reverse: by Miley Busiek: a male eagle carrying a branch to his nest, where a female eagle with young await.Â
Revised design (from 2021)Â
To mark its 35th anniversary, the U.S. Mint introduced a new design:
- Obverse: a refined version of the original Saint-Gaudens design, with sharper details.
- Reverse: a close-up portrait of a bald eagle, designed by Jennie Norris.Â
Security features of the gold American Eagle
The 2021 redesign also includes additional security details, such as micro-details and improved edge finishing, to make counterfeiting even more difficult.Â
Specifications 1 troy ounce gold American Eagle
- Weight: 33.930 grams (gross)
- Net weight of gold: 31.103 grams (1 troy ounce)
- Purity: 916.7/1000 (22 karat)
- Diameter: 32.7 mm
- Thickness: 2.75 mm
- Face value: $50 USDÂ
The smaller denominations (1/2, 1/4, and 1/10 oz) make the gold coin accessible to investors with varying budgets.Â
New or pre-owned American Eagle coins
In addition to buying American Eagle coins, The Silver Mountain offers the opportunity to sell your gold American Eagle coins. All coins you buy from us come with a buyback guarantee.Â
Advantages of pre-owned American Gold Eagle coins:
- Often more affordable (lower premium)
- Same intrinsic value and gold weight, based on the current gold price
- Sustainable alternative through reuseÂ
Frequently asked questions about gold American Eagle coins
What is the purity of the American Eagle?
The coin contains 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. The net gold weight remains 1 troy ounce of pure gold.
Why is the American Eagle less pure than other coins?
The addition of silver and copper makes the coin stronger and more scratch-resistant.
Does the design change annually?
No, only the year changes. In 2021, the coin did receive a new eagle design.
Is the American Eagle VAT-exempt in the Netherlands?
Yes, as investment gold, the coin is completely VAT-exempt.