Uncertainty in the financial landscape and fluctuating values for many asset classes have led more people to consider precious metals investing. Such an investment can be made through a variety of methods such as common stock of mining companies, precious metals ETFs, or bullion coins. The United States Mint produces a number of bullion products including the American Gold Eagle.

Gold bullion coins were first minted under the Congressionally authorized program in 1986. The American Gold Eagle is minted to exacting specifications with the purity, weight, and content of each coin guaranteed by the government of the United States. The composition is 91.67% gold or 22 karat, with silver and copper representing the balance to improve durability. The bullion coins have traditionally been offered in four different bullion weights, containing one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, or one-tenth ounce of gold.

The obverse design of the Gold Eagle is based on one of the most beautiful designs of American coinage. This is Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ design for the $20 gold double eagle coin. Liberty is shown with a torch and olive branch in hand, striding confidently forward. The background of the coin includes the US Capitol Building and the rising sun.

The reverse of the coin features a family of eagles. This design was created by Miley Busiek specifically for the new gold bullion coins. A male eagle is shown bringing an olive branch back to a nest containing the female eagle and hatchlings.

The United States Mint has also produced separate versions of the American Gold Eagle coins for collectors. A proof version of the coin has been minted from 1986 to 2008. These coins feature a high quality finish with frosted raised design elements and mirrored backgrounds. A collectible uncirculated version of the coin was minted from 2006 to 2008. These coins are struck on specially burnished blanks and carry the W mint mark to denote mintage at West Point. The collectible versions of the coins are priced higher than bullion coins due to the special minting procedures.

Find additional information on each year of release for the bullion Gold Eagles. Keep up to date with this year’s new release and the status of collectible 2010 Gold Eagles.

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