Of the different US Mint Gold Coins the American Eagle gold bullion coin is the official bullion coin of the United States. Over 13 million of these US Mint gold coins have been minted since the coin was first introduced in 1986. Every American Eagle gold coin is guaranteed for its weight and gold content by the US Treasury Department, making it a popular purchase for gold lovers. American Eagle gold bullion coins are produced in unlimited numbers and the US Mint produced over 140,000 one-ounce coins in 2007.

US Mint Gold Coins: History of the American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin

The birth of the American eagle gold bullion was triggered by congressmen Ron Paul who presented it as an idea to the US Gold Commission in 1981. In 1985, in response to the growing popularity of South African gold Krugerrand and in a bid to support America’s domestic mining industry, the Congress passed the Bullion Coin Act of 1985. According to the law, the National Treasury Department could start the production and circulation of US mint gold coins in a variety of sizes. Produced in large numbers, American eagle coins soon became popular among traders across the world. By law, the gold in these coins must come from sources in America, and is to be alloyed with silver and copper to make it wear resistant.

US Mint Gold Coins: Types of American Eagle Gold Coins

The American Eagle gold bullion coins are minted in one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce sizes. The gold in these US Mint gold coins is blended with silver and copper to increase the strength and resistivity of these coins, resulting in a final alloy that is 22 karat pure. These coins are valued for their gold content and the US Mint produces proof versions of these coins for collectors. These coins are produced by a special minting process and the gold used in them is available from newly mined sources in the US. These coins are backed by the US Congress, which adds credibility value to these coins.

US Mint Gold Coins: Appearance of American Eagle Gold Coins

The obverse design of the American eagle gold coins features a rendition of Augustus St. Gaudens’ figure of Lady Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in the left with the capitol building in the background. The reverse design features a male eagle holding an olive branch and flying over a nest consisting of a female eagle and its hatchings. Since these coins have great historical significant, they are always in demand and are among the most sought after US mint gold coins.

Factors That Determine The Value of American Eagle Gold Coins

Although there are numerous factors that determine the value of American eagle gold coins, some of the main reasons are:

• Gold Content and Size: The primary factor that determines the value of these coins is the percentage of gold content in them. Also, since these coins come in different sizes (one ounce, half ounce, etc.), the rates vary accordingly.

• Minting and Distribution Costs: US mint charges its distributors to cover its mining and distribution costs. These costs also play a significant role in deciding the price of the American eagle gold coins.

Government guarantees, widespread availability and worldwide recognition have accounted for the market that American eagle one of the most popular of the US mint gold coins.