1/10th oz. American Gold Eagle
Overview
The American Gold Eagle Coins were first introduced in 1986, and quickly gained in popularity worldwide. These U.S. Mint gold coins are available in four commonly traded sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz. The 2014 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle Coins are a great way to start or add to your precious metals portfolio, and are an affordable purchase compared to other gold coins that weigh more (and thus, contain more gold). Perhaps one of the most alluring qualities of these gold coins is their standing in the United States Mint history.
History
The United States Congress passed The Coinage Act in 1792, giving birth to the official United States Mint. David Rittenhouse was the first director of the U.S. Mint, appointed by President George Washington. From 1795 to 1933, gold coins were struck and used as everyday circulating money. A limited amount of gold coins were minted, and varied from $1 to $20 in face value. In 1933, all of these gold coins were recalled by the Roosevelt Administration, and were ordered to be melted. A spare amount of these 1795-1933 gold coins are still around and are considered very valuable by collectors and investors, for both their gold content and historical significance.
During the 1970s and 1980s, there was a lack of available investment coins, creating an increase in demand for a domestic gold investment coin. In 1985, the Gold Bullion Coin Act was signed by Ronald Reagan. This authorized the United States Treasury Department to begin production of the American Gold Eagle coins. The legislation also required that all gold used in minting these coins be from gold mined in the United States. These coins have become some of the most traded gold bullion worldwide.
The design history of the American Gold Eagles dates back to 1792. The Act of 1792 mandated all United States coinage designs show the impression of Lady Liberty and the word “liberty,” as well as the year of coinage. It also mandated that the reverse side of the coins have the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" as well as a representation of an eagle. This collection of gold bullion from the U.S. Mint still to this day embodies the original design scheme put in place hundreds of years ago.
Design and Size
The 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle is the smallest gold coin of the Gold Eagles. This coin has a diameter of 16.5 mm and a thickness of 1.19 mm. It weighs in at 1/10 oz, or 0.1 Troy ounces.
The Augustus Saint-Gauden inspired design featured on the obverse (front) side of all the American Gold Eagles was adapted by the last circulating coin in the United States: the 1907-1933 $20 Gold Double Eagle. In the spectacular and patriotic design, Lady Liberty holds a torch in her right hand, and an olive branch in her left hand, while standing in front of the Capital Building. Her hair signifies a forward motion and progress as it flows behind her with a sun rays in the background. The words "LIBERTY" and mint year "2014" are inscribed on the obverse side.
The reverse (back) side of the 2014 American Gold Eagle features the Miley Busiek design of a male bald eagle carrying an olive branch while in flight to his nest, where a female and a young bald Eagle await. Inscribed on the coin are the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "E PLURIBUS UNUM" (which translates from Latin as “Out of one, many”), and "1/10 OZ. FINE GOLD-5 DOLLARS."
Purity
Each 2014 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle coin has a purity content of .9167 or 1/10 ounce of pure gold. In order to maintain these gold coins in mint condition, the U.S. Mint mixes in a small amount of copper and silver to reduce the risk of denting or scratching. These 1/10 ounce gold coins are 22 karat gold, and are very high in purity and gold content.
Value
The 2014 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles has the same benefits as their full ounce counterparts (and other Gold Eagle series coins), but come at a lower price point. Fractional American Gold Eagles such as this one provide more investing options for investors and collectors interested in adding or starting a precious metals portfolio, simply because their price allows them to be accessible to more people. The U.S. Mint packages these coins similarly to the Silver Eagle rolls, with each tube containing 50 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles. However, they may be ordered in lesser quantities as well.
The current spot price of gold, the condition of the bullion, as well as historical or emotional value are all factors of consideration when determining the current value of precious metal coins like theses. Perhaps the biggest factor is the spot price of gold per ounce. As of January 2015, gold topped at about $1,300 per ounce for the first time since August of 2014. At this price, the approximate value of a 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle coin is about $130, since it contains 1/10 of an ounce of gold. Currently, investors are adding to gold portfolios at the fastest pace in the last three years, which could drive up the demand, price, and value of gold in the near future.
The 2014 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle is backed up and guaranteed by the U.S. government for purity and gold content. These gold coins are also IRA approved, allowing you to build or add to your retirement savings. ITM Trading offers discounts on transactions made via wire, check, or ACH. ITM Trading also gladly offers free shipping, as well as free insurance, with every purchase, adding even more value and security to your investment. Because of the flexible investment strategy these coins offer, adding these coins to your precious metals portfolio allows for easy access to some quick capital without having to liquidate larger, more expensive coins or bars.
