In the wake of passing the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, the United States Mint began to issue American Eagle gold bullion coins the following year. The American Eagle has since become perhaps the most recognizable gold coin in the world, although these eagles should be carefully distinguished from the pre-1933 American $10 gold coins that. The $50 Gold American Eagle coin is one of four gold coins that belong to the United States Mint’s bullion coin program, which began in 1986. $50 American Gold Eagles are coins that contain one troy ounce of 22-karat gold and represent the highest of the four gold coin denominations in the program.

The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States government. It was authorized into law by the Bullion Coin Act of 1985. The U.S. Mint issued the first Gold Eagle in 1986.

Since then, it has become the world's leading gold bullion coin in terms of sales.

Each Gold Eagle is struck from 91.67% pure (.917 fine) gold, also known as 22-karat gold. The rest of the alloy is made up of silver (3%) and copper (5.33%). This gives the coins a rich golden hue that is darker than most .999 fine gold coins. It also renders them firmer and more durable.

Gold Eagle Sizes

These gold coins come in four different sizes. These sizes represent the amount of fine gold in the coin by weight. The gross weight, which includes the silver and copper, will be higher.

Each Gold Eagle size has a legal tender face value. They are listed below.

Each size uses the same design. The 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz size coins are attractive choices for budget-conscious investors. The 1 oz gold coin remains the most popular.

Although American Gold Eagles are legal tender, their value is based on the market price of gold, similar to a gold bar. For instance, the $50 face value of the 1 oz Gold Eagle is far below the melt value of one ounce of gold.

The legal tender face values are symbolic that the fine metal content of the coins are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government.

Proof Gold Eagles

In addition to the Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) version, the U.S. Mint also issues American Eagle gold proof coins. These coins are struck at the West Point Mint rather than Philadelphia or San Francisco. They will carry a 'W' mint mark on the obverse of the coin.

A gold proof features the same design as its bullion counterpart. The difference is the finish on the coin. Proofs feature frosted relief devices that stand out against the mirrored fields. This beautiful contrast makes proof coins a favorite among collectors.

All proof coins undergo a more intricate coining process. The surface is polished to create mirror-like characteristics. Striking occurs multiple times in the coining press for extra sharp details.

Proof Gold Eagles also hold special appeal for the collector thanks to their lower mintage totals. In many cases, proofs will be graded or certified by one of the leading third-party grading services: Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC).

Each graded coin comes in a protective holder made of hard plastic. Certified Gold Eagles make a great addition to any collection!

Gold Eagle Design

The obverse design of the Gold Eagle coin was adapted from the legendary Saint-Gaudens double eagle. This was a $20 U.S. gold coin that circulated during the early 20th century.

The design shows Lady Liberty marching forward to the top of a hill that overlooks the U.S. Capitol building. Liberty holds a torch high in her right arm and an olive branch in her left hand. Rays of light emit from over the horizon while the year-date appears to the right. Fifty stars fill the outer rim.

Early versions of the American Eagle coin used Roman numerals for the date. That has now been adjusted to the more common Arabic numerals. The edge is reeded.

The reverse design is of more contemporary vintage. Created by artist Miley Busiek, the scene shows a bald eagle returning to his nest with an olive branch between his talons. His young eaglets reside in the nest, protected by their mother's wing. Rim inscriptions include '1 OZ. FINE GOLD~50 DOLLARS.' The mottoes 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' are found near the middle of the image.

The design communicates the importance of family values in American culture. It is an interesting departure from most other U.S. coin designs that feature just one eagle. Previous Coin Act legislation requires at least one eagle to appear on all U.S. coinage with gold or silver metal content.

These Brilliant Uncirculated coins will retain their original mint luster virtually forever, as long as they stored properly.

American Eagle Bullion Coinage Program

The U.S. Congress has also authorized the production of other precious metal coins made from silver, platinum, and palladium. In addition to the Gold Eagle series, investment demand remains strong for its silver counterpart, the American Silver Eagle.

Now, the other precious metals are represented by the American Platinum Eagle and Palladium Eagle, as well. They are produced in far lower numbers due to the scarcity of these metals.

With much higher mintage levels since the Great Recession, the Silver Eagle is a popular investing option. This is especially true for inclusion in a self-directed IRA (individual retirement account). These coins trade all over the world and are often sold in rolls of 20 coins.

To take advantage of this portfolio opportunity with your IRA, however, the coins must be stored at an authorized depository (i.e., vault). This eliminates the risks associated with home storage.

These same IRA restrictions apply to silver bars, platinum bars, and palladium bars in addition to world mint coins.

Buy American Gold Eagles

You can buy Gold Eagle coins online or in our luxury showroom. They are available as single coins or in quantity for bulk orders, as well.

Gainesville Coins offers fully insured delivery to over 40 countries around the world. You can choose to have your metals shipped via UPS or the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Your package will be discreetly labeled so that it's not evident to would-be thieves that precious metals are inside.

We also carry a variety of silver bullion, such as the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf and 90% silver U.S. coins. Find the perfect gift, collectible, or tangible asset for your investment portfolio.

The U.S. Mint launched the American Eagle Coin Program in 1986 with gold and silver bullion coins for investors. The program has since expanded to include platinum and palladium coins. The Mint also makes proof and uncirculated versions of the American Eagle coins for collecting.

The obverse of the American Eagle Gold Coins features a version of Liberty first used on the 1907 $20, or “double eagle” coin. The design, by famed sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, shows Liberty facing forward, holding a torch in one hand and an olive branch in the other. The reverse depicted an eagle grasping an olive branch flying above a nest of eagles. Starting in 2021, the gold coins feature a newly designed portrait of an eagle on the reverse and a refreshed obverse.

The obverse of the American Eagle Silver Coins uses the “Walking Liberty” design by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman from the 1916 half dollar. Liberty walks in profile, draped in the folds of the American flag. Her right arm is extended and she carries laurel and oak branches in her left. The reverse depicted a heraldic eagle with a shield, grasping an olive branch in the right talon and arrows in the left. Starting in 2021, the coins feature a new reverse showing an eagle carrying an oak branch coming to land and a refreshed obverse.

The Mint first released American Eagle Platinum Coins in 1997. The bullion coin features the Statue of Liberty on the obverse and a soaring eagle on the reverse. The proof coin design changes each year.

The American Eagle Palladium Coins were first released in 2017 as bullion and 2018 as proof. Like the silver coins, the palladium coins re-create historic designs by Adolph Weinman. The obverse features Liberty wearing a cap with wings used on the 1916 Mercury dime. The reverse shows an eagle grasping a branch first used on the 1907 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal.

American Eagle Gold Coin Price Guide

American Eagle Bullion Coins

American Eagle Bullion Coins provide investors with a convenient and cost effective way to add a small amount of physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium to their investment portfolios. The gold bullion coins are available in four sizes: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce. The silver, platinum, and palladium bullion coins are available in the one ounce size.

The U.S. Mint does not sell American Eagle Bullion Coins directly to the public. Learn more about how to buy bullion coins.

Watch the video below to learn about palladium coins.

American Eagle Gold Coin Pendant

American Eagle Proof and Uncirculated Coins

American Eagle Gold Coins 1 Oz

The Mint produces American Eagle Coins for collectors with proof and uncirculated finishes. The gold and silver coins are released in both proof and uncirculated finishes each year. The platinum coins are currently made only as proof, while the palladium coins switch finishes each year.

The coins sell at a fixed price and can be purchased directly from the U.S. Mint.

American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins

The U.S. Mint produced its first legal tender platinum proof coin in 1997. Its $100 face value is the highest denomination for a U.S. legal tender coin. Produced for collectors, it bears the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint, where it is produced. This precious metal coin has a limited mintage and may be purchased directly from the Mint.

From 1997 to 2017, the American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin shared a common obverse that depicted the Statue of Liberty. The coin’s reverse featured a variety of themed series designs, including:

• Portrait of Liberty (1997)
• Vistas of Liberty (1998 to 2002)
• Foundations of Democracy (2006 to 2008)
• Preamble to the Constitution (2009 to 2014)
• Torches of Liberty (2015 and 2016)

In 2017 for the 20th anniversary of the platinum proof program, the coin bore its original 1997 design. From 2018 to 2020, the Mint issued the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Series. The obverse designs featured a different scene with Liberty each year. The common reverse showed an eagle in flight carrying an olive branch.

• 2018 Platinum Proof – Life
• 2019 Platinum Proof – Liberty
• 2020 Platinum Proof – Happiness

First Amendment to the United States Constitution Platinum Proof Coin Series

American Eagle Gold Coins

The 2021-2025 “First Amendment to the United States Constitution Platinum Proof Coin Series” features newly designed one ounce 99.95 percent platinum proof coins. The obverse designs use the lifecycle of the oak tree from seedling to a mighty oak as a metaphor for our country’s growth as a Nation that values freedom. Liberty grows to a thing of strength and beauty from a seed – our Bill of Rights. Each of the freedoms enumerated in the First Amendment contributes to the growth and development of the Nation.

This series continues the reverse design introduced for the 2018-2020 Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Series. It features an eagle in flight with an olive branch in its talons.