Overview
About the American Gold Eagle
The American Gold Eagle is made of 22-karat gold, alloyed with silver and copper to make it harder wearing. Because of the alloy, a 1 oz coin weighs more than an ounce but still contains a full troy ounce of pure gold.
It is easy to buy and sell at almost any US dealer, which is a big part of its appeal. That popularity also means it tends to carry a higher premium over spot than some foreign gold coins.
For background on the metal itself, see our gold guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | US Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| First year | 1986 |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Gold |
| Purity | .9167 (22 karat) |
| Gross weight | 33.931 g (1.0909 troy oz) |
| Pure gold content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 32.7 mm |
| Thickness | 2.87 mm |
| Face value | $50 (US) |
| Available sizes | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz |
Try it
Melt value calculator
Pre-filled with the latest price. Edit it to try another price.
Melt value
$4,141.94
1 troy oz of pure gold
Melt value is the metal content at spot. Dealers sell above it (the premium) and usually buy below it. Rare coins can be worth far more than melt.
Pre-set to one American Gold Eagle. Change the weight to value several coins, or a different size.
Look closer
Design and security features
Design
The obverse shows a full-length Lady Liberty adapted from Augustus Saint-Gaudens' design for the 1907 $20 double eagle.
From 1986 until mid-2021 the reverse showed a family of eagles by Miley Busiek. Since mid-2021 (the "Type 2" coins) it shows a close-up eagle head by Jennie Norris.
Security features
Type 2 coins (from mid-2021) have a reeded edge variety: a small section of the edge reeding is shaped differently from the rest.
Watch out for
What to check when buying
- Tungsten-core and plated fakes. Tungsten is close to gold in density, so a fake can weigh about right. Check weight, diameter and thickness together, not just one.
- Design and date that don't match. The eagle-head reverse only exists on coins dated 2021 or later. A Type 2 design with an earlier date is fake.
- Colour isn't proof. Genuine Eagles are slightly redder than 24-karat coins because of the copper. Fakes copy the look, so test, don't just eyeball.
- Prices well below spot. No genuine seller lets a gold coin go far under melt value. Buy from established dealers.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes. American Eagle coins are named in US tax law as allowed IRA investments, even though the gold version is 22 karat. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
IRA metal has to be held by a custodian in an approved depository, not at home.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much gold is in an American Gold Eagle?
An American Gold Eagle (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure gold at .9167 fineness, in a coin weighing 33.931 g in total.
What is an American Gold Eagle worth?
At the latest gold spot price of $4,141.80 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $4,141.80. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can an American Gold Eagle go in an IRA?
Generally yes. American Eagle coins are named in US tax law as allowed IRA investments, even though the gold version is 22 karat. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
How can I tell if an American Gold Eagle is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 33.931 g and is 32.7 mm across. Tungsten-core and plated fakes. Tungsten is close to gold in density, so a fake can weigh about right. Check weight, diameter and thickness together, not just one. If you're unsure, ask an established dealer to test it.
This page is for general education only and isn’t financial, tax or legal advice. Melt value is an estimate of metal content, not a dealer quote, and prices may be delayed. Check current details with a dealer or a licensed adviser before making decisions.