The American Gold Eagle bullion coin is one of the most widely traded and collected coins in the United States. It was authorized into law by the Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and first released by the United States Mint in 1986. Since then, it has become a popular choice for investors and collectors alike due to its gold content, historical significance, and attractive design. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, composition, and investment outlook of this iconic coin.
History
The American Gold Eagle bullion coin was created as part of the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. The act authorized the production of gold coins with a face value that reflected their intrinsic value as determined by their weight in gold. This allowed investors to purchase gold coins without having to pay additional premiums for numismatic or collector's value. The first American Gold Eagles were released in 1986 with four different sizes available: 1 oz., ½ oz., ¼ oz., and 1/10 oz. Each size contains 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper with a reeded edge and a diameter that varies depending on its size.
Design
The obverse side of the American Gold Eagle features a rendition of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 1907 design for the $20 Double Eagle gold coin which depicts Lady Liberty striding forward with an olive branch in her right hand while holding a torch in her left hand. Inscribed around her are "LIBERTY" and "IN GOD WE TRUST". The reverse side features a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings with inscriptions reading "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", "1 OZ FINE GOLD", "50 DOLLARS", and the mint year mark at the bottom rim.
Investment Outlook
American Gold Eagles are considered one of the safest investments when it comes to precious metals due to their guaranteed purity from the U.S Mint as well as their legal tender status backed by the federal government. They also offer investors flexibility when it comes to purchasing power since they come in multiple sizes ranging from 1/10th ounce up to 1 ounce which allows them to buy at various price points depending on their budget or needs. Additionally, these coins are widely accepted among dealers making them easy to buy or sell if needed. All these factors make them an attractive option for both long-term investments as well as short-term trading opportunities depending on market conditions or individual preferences.
Conculsion
In conclusion, American Gold Eagles are an excellent choice for those looking to invest in precious metals due to their guaranteed purity from U.S Mints, legal tender status backed by federal government guarantees, flexible buying options across multiple sizes, and wide acceptance among dealers making them easy to buy or sell if needed regardless of market conditions or individual preferences.
Sources:
https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/american-eagle/gold-bullion
https://en.wikipedia.org
