American Eagle – Gold Coins
Number of products: 10American Eagle gold coins are the most recognised bullion series from the United States, issued by the United States Mint since 1986. Struck in 916.7 fineness (22 carat) — a gold-silver-copper alloy providing exceptional durability with full fine gold content. New reverse design (Type 2) since 2021. Gold bullion is exempt from VAT across the EU under Directive 2006/112/EC. Current prices: precious metals prices.
American Eagle — United States Mint Heritage
The American Gold Eagle was introduced in 1986 under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. The United States Mint — established in 1792 — created a coin that quickly became one of the world's best-selling bullion series. The obverse features Lady Liberty striding before rays of sunlight — a motif designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907, widely regarded as the most beautiful design in American numismatic history.
The original reverse (Type 1, 1986–2021) by Miley Busiek depicted a family of bald eagles — a male carrying an olive branch above a nest with a female and hatchling. In 2021, the United States Mint introduced a new reverse (Type 2) designed by Jennie Norris — a close-up portrait of a bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States. The 2021 vintage was issued in both versions, making it particularly sought after by collectors.
916.7 Fineness — Durability and Full Gold Content
The American Eagle is struck in a 916.7 fine gold alloy (22 carat) — 91.67% gold, 3% silver and 5.33% copper. The silver and copper content does not reduce the fine gold mass — the 1 oz coin contains exactly 31.1035 g (one troy ounce) of pure gold, with a gross weight of 33.93 g. The alloy makes the American Eagle one of the most durable bullion coins on the market — noticeably more scratch-resistant than 999.9 fineness coins (Maple Leaf, Britannia, Philharmonic).
VAT Exemption in the European Union
American Eagle gold coins qualify as investment gold under EU Directive 2006/112/EC, making them exempt from VAT throughout the European Union. The buyer pays only for the metal and the producer premium — with no tax burden.
Available Denominations and Technical Specifications
| Denomination | Fine Gold [g] | Gross Weight [g] | Diameter [mm] | Thickness [mm] | Face Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | 31.1035 | 33.93 | 32.70 | 2.87 | $50 |
| 1/2 oz | 15.5518 | 16.97 | 27.00 | 2.15 | $25 |
| 1/4 oz | 7.7759 | 8.48 | 22.00 | 1.78 | $10 |
| 1/10 oz | 3.1103 | 3.39 | 16.50 | 1.19 | $5 |
Each denomination contains the declared fine gold mass — gross weight is higher due to the silver and copper alloy. The 1 oz coin (troy ounce — 31.1035 g fine gold) is the most popular format with the lowest premium per gram of gold.
Key Features of the American Eagle
- Issuer: United States Mint — the federal mint of the USA (since 1792)
- Fineness: 916.7 (22 carat) — Au/Ag/Cu alloy with full fine gold content
- Obverse: Lady Liberty — designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1907)
- Reverse: bald eagle — Type 2 since 2021 (Jennie Norris)
- Durability: most scratch-resistant among major bullion coins thanks to copper content
- Legal status: official legal tender of the United States
- VAT: exempt from VAT across the EU (Directive 2006/112/EC)
- Liquidity: globally recognised — dominates the North American market
American Eagle vs Other Bullion Coins
The American Eagle is one of only two major bullion series struck in 916.7 fineness (alongside the Krugerrand). Unlike the Maple Leaf, Britannia and Philharmonic (all 999.9), the American Eagle contains silver and copper additions that make it harder and more resistant to mechanical damage. The fine gold content is identical: 31.1035 g in the 1 oz version. The Krugerrand also uses a sub-999 alloy (916.7) but with copper only — hence its distinctly reddish hue compared to the American Eagle's lighter tone.
Why Buy American Eagle from GoldInvest24?
GoldInvest24 offers American Eagle gold coins in four denominations — from 1/10 oz to 1 oz — across multiple vintages including Type 1 and Type 2. Every coin comes from an authorised distribution chain. Explore our other bullion products: gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars, platinum and palladium.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the gold fineness of the American Eagle?
The American Eagle is struck in 916.7 fineness (22 carat) — an alloy of gold (91.67%), silver (3%) and copper (5.33%). Despite the lower fineness than 999.9, each coin contains the full declared fine gold mass (31.1035 g for 1 oz). Gross weight is 33.93 g due to the alloy components.
Is the American Eagle exempt from VAT?
Yes. American Eagle gold coins qualify as investment gold under EU Directive 2006/112/EC and are exempt from VAT.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?
Type 1 (1986–2021) features a bald eagle family by Miley Busiek. Type 2 (since 2021) shows a close-up eagle portrait by Jennie Norris. The obverse (Lady Liberty by Saint-Gaudens) remains unchanged. The 2021 vintage was issued in both versions.
Who designed the American Eagle?
The obverse was designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens in 1907. Reverse Type 1 is by Miley Busiek (1986), reverse Type 2 by Jennie Norris (2021).
How does the American Eagle compare to the Krugerrand?
Both coins share 916.7 fineness and contain the same fine gold mass (31.1035 g in 1 oz). The American Eagle uses an Au/Ag/Cu alloy (lighter tone), while the Krugerrand uses Au/Cu (distinctly reddish). The American Eagle carries a $50 face value; the Krugerrand had no denomination until 2017.