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:
 | 1924‑M Gold Sovereign Australia – George V – NGC MS63+ – Rare Melbourne Mint £ 1,179.70 |
 | 1855 Britain Full Sovereign 0.9170 Fineness Gold 7.9881g W. W. INCUSED NGC MS 60 £ 1,650.00 |
 | 1902, 1905 Gold Half Sovereign Coin, King Edward VII Era, George Dragon Design £ 470.80 |
 | 1862 young Victoria badge 22 carats Full Gold Sovereign coin £ 883.90 |
 | 1901 Queen Victoria Full Gold Sovereign Coin Ex Mount For Scrap £ 843.10 |
 | Choice of Half Sovereign - Victoria / Edward / George Gold Coins 22ct each 4g £ 465.70 |
 | Queen Elizabeth II 5 Coin 24ct Gold Sovereign Set £ 950.20 |
 | 1988 Isle Of Man Angel Gold Sovereign Ring £ 618.70 |
On eBay USA:
| 1924‑M Gold Sovereign Australia – George V – NGC MS63+ – Rare Melbourne Mint £ 1,179.70 |
| 1855 Britain Full Sovereign 0.9170 Fineness Gold 7.9881g W. W. INCUSED NGC MS 60 £ 1,650.00 |
| 1902, 1905 Gold Half Sovereign Coin, King Edward VII Era, George Dragon Design £ 470.80 |
| 1862 young Victoria badge 22 carats Full Gold Sovereign coin £ 883.90 |
| 1901 Queen Victoria Full Gold Sovereign Coin Ex Mount For Scrap £ 843.10 |
| Choice of Half Sovereign - Victoria / Edward / George Gold Coins 22ct each 4g £ 465.70 |
 | 2020 22ct Proof Gold HALF SOVEREIGN. Limited Edition. Box & Certificate £ 505.00 |
 | 1/8 th 22ct Gold Sovereign BU 200 Years Of The Shield London Mint Office £ 125.50 |
| Queen Elizabeth II 5 Coin 24ct Gold Sovereign Set £ 950.20 |
| 1988 Isle Of Man Angel Gold Sovereign Ring £ 618.70 |