Gold American Eagle Bullion Coins

The American Eagle Coins have been in circulation since 1986 and have been a mainstay in the investors portfolios of Americans since that time. The Gold Bullion is a popular choice for investors who place their IRA Gold in depositories as instructed by the IRS to qualify for IRA eligible gold. Those interested in Gold Proof Coins are typically collectors but given the premium price for proofs some IRA investors will hold these in their portfolio. 

Understanding American Eagle Bullion

Bullion Coin Definition: Definition taken from usmint.gov “Precious metal coin traded at current bullion prices.”

American Eagle Coin Program – includes bullion coins minted out of gold, silver, platinum, and palladium

Bullion Coins: Considered investor’s version of the gold-minted coins. Coins are 22-karat, plus a small portion of alloy.

When did they start making? 1986 – present

Authorized Legislation – Public Law 99-185

Falls Under the “American Eagle Coin Program”

Minted: US Mint ** Bullion Coins Do Not Feature A Mint Mark

Design History: The front of the coin (obverse) uses the original 1907 $20 or “double eagle” design showing lady liberty holding torch in one hand and an olive branch in another inspired by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.

Starting in 2021, the reverse shows the eagle and has been enhanced for security showing a reeded edge variation.

Prior to 2021, the reverse showed an eagle carrying an olive branch above a nest with another eagle inside the nest with a baby.

Specification of the Coin:

91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper with a reeded edge. Four sizes to choose from and the weights differ between the one, half, quarter, and tenth-ounce sizes.

Face Value of the Coins

• One Ounce $50 face value and has 1 troy ounce of gold and weighs a total of 1.0909 troy ounces (33.931 g)
• One-half Ounce $25 face value and has 0.5000 gold troy ounce and weighs a total of 0.5455 troy ounces (16.966 g)
• One-quarter Ounce $10 face value and has 0.2500 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.2727 troy ounces (8.483 g)
• One-tenth Ounce $5 face value and as 0.1000 gold troy ounce and weighs 0.1091 troy ounces (3.393 g)

Where to buy U.S. Gold Bullion Coins:

A buyer of bullion coins must purchase from a 3^rd party sources as the U.S. Mint does not sell directly to the consumer. A purchase can be made through a Gold IRA company, a local coin dealer, or online gold and silver retail sellers.

American Eagle Coins can be gold, silver, platinum, or palladium and the US mint has standard coins or limited editions.

IRA investors can get additional information by checking out our review on the 5 Best Gold IRA Companies. 

American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins

Gold Bullion as an Investment:

American Gold Eagle Bullion coins are available for purchase and allowed into your Investment Gold IRA portfolio.

Both proof and bullion coins are good investment options and overall, one is not better than the other. Understanding the differences is important for an investor’s portfolio.

Bullion coins are less scarce and you may find them in various degrees of condition circulated throughout the United States and abroad. While similarly struck, the bullion coin is not finished to the degree of the proof coins, and therefore it lacks the luster of the finished Proof.

Bullion coins are valued based on the Spot Price of Gold. Whereas the Proof Coins are valued at the spot but also typically demand a premium due to the scarcity and vigorous minting process.

Ideally, your bullion coins can be a valuable asset to your Gold IRA or a favorable cash purchase. Understanding the difference between the proof coin and the bullion coin will help you understand the difference in initial cost to purchase and their value in your portfolio.