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:
 | 1880 S Sydney Mint Gold Full Sovereign — Victoria Young Head Shield Back £ 900.00 |
 | 1887 UK Royal Mint Victoria Jubilee Gold Half Sovereign Coin - NGC MS62 £ 588.10 |
 | King Charles 2026 Gold Full Sovereign Coin £ 787.00 |
 | 1980 Gold Half Sovereign Coin, Queen Elizabeth II £ 455.50 |
 | 1967 Solid 22ct Carat Gold Full Sovereign Coin £ 800.00 |
 | Queen Victoria 1894 Gold Full Sovereign Coin £ 792.10 |
 | 1900 Victorian Half sovereign 22ct Gold Coin. Old Head - 1900 - Good condition £ 455.50 |
 | 22ct gold sovereign coins £ 208.70 |
On eBay USA:
| 1880 S Sydney Mint Gold Full Sovereign — Victoria Young Head Shield Back £ 900.00 |
| 1887 UK Royal Mint Victoria Jubilee Gold Half Sovereign Coin - NGC MS62 £ 588.10 |
| King Charles 2026 Gold Full Sovereign Coin £ 787.00 |
| 1980 Gold Half Sovereign Coin, Queen Elizabeth II £ 455.50 |
| 1967 Solid 22ct Carat Gold Full Sovereign Coin £ 800.00 |
| Queen Victoria 1894 Gold Full Sovereign Coin £ 792.10 |
 | 1860 Victorian Gold Sovereign £ 900.00 |
 | Genuine and Original 22ct Gold 1887 Queen Victoria Shield Jubilee Half Sovereign £ 465.70 |
| 1900 Victorian Half sovereign 22ct Gold Coin. Old Head - 1900 - Good condition £ 455.50 |
| 22ct gold sovereign coins £ 208.70 |