According to news published in Beaumont, TX (PRWEB) on November 27, 2010, someone donated a one ounce American Gold Eagle worth $1400 to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. Due to the Gold Recall Order of 1933, several Gold Double Eagles and Eagles were confiscated in order to save the banks and stop the outflow of gold. As a result, many gold coins, including some of the most valuable and historical coins, were destroyed. There were roughly 17,000 pieces of Half Eagles when it was released in circulation. As of now, there are only three examples of 1822 Half Eagle left.

US Mint Gold Coin Sales

One ounce Gold Eagles reached sales of 28,000 in the second week of November 2010, as compared to 24,000 in the previous week. The gold coins with one-half ounce denomination added 3,000 to the sales, bringing them to a total of 43,000. However, the precious 22-karat gold coins have not gained as much sales as to surpass its previous monthly sales like their silver counterparts.

US Mint Gold Coins: From 1800-1933

US gold coins minted between the 19th and early 20th century are examples of some of the most artistic designs ever minted onto American gold currency. These designs include the famous Double Eagle, Quarter Eagle and Lady Liberty.

1. The U.S. 1854 (Type I) Liberty Head Gold Dollar: The Liberty Head gold dollar weighs around 1.672 grams and consists of 90% gold and 10% copper. Designed by James B. Longacre, this famous coin is 13mm in diameter. This was the first gold dollar issued in the US before it got replaced by the larger and thinner Indian Head Gold Coin. Its NGC-graded MS-62 specimen was sold for $395 in June 2006.
2. The 1858 Indian Head U.S. Gold Coin: With a diameter of 15 mm, this coin also weighs equivalent to the Liberty Head gold dollar. The coin has the obverse of an Indian princess wearing a feathery crown as a token of liberty. Its Au-55 specimen was sold for $225 in June 2006.
3. Liberty Head Quarter Eagle 1878: Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this coin depicts the image of Lady Liberty. An interesting feature about the coin is that the 13 stars around this image represent the original 13 US colonies. The 1878 specimen of the coin graded as MS-63 by NGC was sold for $1,500 in June 2006.
4. The 1910 Indian Head Quarter Eagle: Designed by Bela Lyon Pratt, the coin does not have any rim and weighs around 4.18 gram. With the obverse of a queen on the front and an eagle on the back, the face value of the coin is expressed on its reverse as $2.50. Its MS-62 specimen graded by NGC was sold for $650 in June 2006.
5. The 1869 Indian Head Three Dollar: This three dollar denomination with the obverse of a princess was not as popular as the other coins and, therefore, was not much in circulation. However, its Au-50 grade was sold for $1,750.00 in June 2006.
6. The 1909D Indian Head Half Eagle: This large coin with the five dollar denomination weighs around 8.359 grams and has a diameter of 21.6 mm. The front of the coin features the image of the Native American warrior in his feather war headdress and the back is graced by the image of an American Eagle. Its MS-61 grade certified by NGC was sold for $825.00 in June 2006.

Many gold coins issued after the 1850s are available at affordable prices and sell for a little more than the bullion value. The reason for this is that these coins were issued in plenty as a result of huge quantities of gold being mined in California and in some parts in the West.