American Gold Eagles

The Official Gold Coin of the United States

The American Gold Eagle is the nation’s official gold bullion coin and one of the world’s most trusted and recognized gold investments. First introduced in 1986 by the United States Mint, these stunning coins represent the majesty, strength, and freedom of America. Each coin is struck from 22-karat (.9167 fine) gold sourced entirely from U.S. mines and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government for weight, content, and purity.

Featuring iconic American imagery — Lady Liberty on the obverse and the bald eagle on the reverse — the American Gold Eagle symbolizes the enduring spirit of the nation and remains a cornerstone of gold ownership for collectors and investors alike.

 
 A Brief History of the American Gold Eagle
Authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, the Gold Eagle was first released in 1986 in four denominations: 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz. It initially debuted in Bullion and Proof versions, with the Burnished Uncirculated coin joining the lineup in 2006 to mark the series’ 20th anniversary.

Each release quickly gained popularity among investors and numismatists for its exceptional beauty, guaranteed purity, and symbolic connection to America’s heritage.

 
 Design Legacy: Liberty & the Bald Eagle
Obverse – Lady Liberty by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Originally designed in 1907 for the $20 Gold Double Eagle, Saint-Gaudens’ Lady Liberty is widely regarded as the most beautiful U.S. coin design ever created. Liberty strides forward from the Capitol, holding a torch of enlightenment and olive branch of peace, framed by the rays of the rising sun.

The American Gold Eagle adapts this historic design, including 50 stars to represent every U.S. state.

Reverse – Classic & Modern Eagle Designs
From 1986 to 2020, the reverse featured Miley Busiek’s family of nesting bald eagles, representing strength, unity, and family.

In 2021, to celebrate the program’s 35th anniversary, the U.S. Mint introduced Jennie Norris’s bold new design — a close-up portrait of a bald eagle in striking left-profile relief, symbolizing vigilance and pride.

 
Types of American Gold Eagles

Bullion Gold Eagles
Intended for investment and traded close to current gold spot prices
Offered annually since 1986 in all four weights
No mint marks
IRA-approved and globally recognized

Proof Gold Eagles
Struck multiple times for mirror-like finishes and sharp details
Ideal for collectors seeking presentation-quality coins
Packaged in U.S. Mint display cases with Certificates of Authenticity
Minted primarily at West Point Mint (“W” mint mark)

Burnished (Uncirculated) Gold Eagles
Introduced in 2006 for the series’ 20th anniversary
Struck with specially polished planchets for a soft matte finish
Carry the “W” mint mark and lower mintages than bullion versions
Highly prized by numismatists for their distinctive appearance

About Certified Gold Eagles
Graded by NGC, PCGS, or CAC using the Sheldon 70-point scale
MS70 (Mint State) and PF70 (Proof) examples represent flawless perfection
Popular among collectors seeking guaranteed authenticity and top condition
 
Why Buy American Gold Eagles?
Backed by the U.S. Government for weight and purity
Globally recognized and easily liquidated
Eligible for inclusion in Precious Metals IRAs
Available in multiple sizes for flexible investment options
Features timeless American artistry and unmatched quality
 
Shop American Gold Eagles with Confidence
At Montgomery Chandler, we offer a wide selection of American Gold Eagle coins — including bullion, proof, burnished, — raw & certified, all sourced from trusted distributors and the U.S. Mint.
Enjoy secure payments, insured shipping, and real-time pricing based on the current gold spot rate.

For assistance, our expert account executives are available by phone or email to answer any questions about purchasing or investing in American Gold Eagles.