22-Karat · .9167 Fine Gold · U.S. Legal Tender
American
Gold Eagle
America's most popular gold bullion coin since 1986. Minted by the U.S. Mint with proven durability and worldwide recognition.
Live Gold Eagle Pricing
Current market data for the 1 oz American Gold Eagle.
American Gold Eagle Price
Product pricing (AE)
Current Ask Price
$4,476.10
per 1 oz Gold Eagle
Bid
$4,300.50
Ask
$4,476.10
Market Stats
Open
$4,476.10
High
$4,489.30
Low
$4,462.80
Prev Close
$4,454.60
As of: Dec 18, 2025, 2:42 AM
American Gold Eagle (AE) pricing from Monex • Updated on page load
Why American Gold Eagle?
America's flagship gold bullion coin, backed by the U.S. government with proven durability and exceptional liquidity.
Proven Durability
The 22-karat (.9167 fine) gold alloy includes copper and silver for exceptional scratch resistance. Contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold with added durability.
U.S. Legal Tender
Produced by the U.S. Mint with a $50 face value. Weight and purity are guaranteed by the federal government, ensuring worldwide dealer recognition.
IRA Eligible
Specifically approved for Precious Metals IRAs under IRS rules. As U.S. Mint legal tender, the Gold Eagle meets all requirements for tax-advantaged retirement accounts.
Who Buys Gold Eagle Coins?
The American Gold Eagle appeals to investors who prioritize durability, government backing, and strong liquidity.
Long-Term Investors
Investors building generational wealth choose the Gold Eagle's durable alloy for coins that handle well over decades. Each coin contains exactly one troy ounce of pure gold.
IRA Investors
Those building Precious Metals IRAs value the Gold Eagle's IRS-approved status, government guarantee, and strong secondary market for eventual distributions.
Collectors & Investors
The Augustus Saint-Gaudens design, featuring Lady Liberty and an eagle family, appeals to collectors and bullion investors alike.
Capital Requirement
Based on current Gold Eagle (AE) ask price:
per 1 oz Gold Eagle
AE pricing varies with gold spot and dealer premiums
Comparing Gold Bullion Coins
Understanding how the American Gold Eagle compares to other leading gold bullion coins helps you make informed decisions.
| Feature | Gold Eagle | Gold Buffalo | Maple Leaf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Purity | .9167 (22K) | .9999 (24K) | .9999 (24K) |
| Issuing Mint | U.S. Mint | U.S. Mint | Royal Canadian |
| Face Value | $50 USD | $50 USD | $50 CAD |
| IRA Eligible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Typical Premium | 3-5% | 3-5% | 2-4% |
| Best For | Durability + U.S. Legal Tender | Maximum Purity | Purity + Low Premium |
Iconic Design & Heritage
The American Gold Eagle features one of the most celebrated coin designs in U.S. history.
Obverse: Lady Liberty
The obverse features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic Walking Liberty design from the 1907 $20 gold piece, widely considered one of the most beautiful American coin designs ever created.
Historical Note: President Theodore Roosevelt personally commissioned Saint-Gaudens to redesign American coinage in 1905.
Reverse: Eagle Family
The reverse depicts a male eagle carrying an olive branch, flying above a nest containing a female eagle and hatchlings. This design by Miley Busiek symbolizes family, security, and strength.
First Minted: The Gold Eagle debuted in 1986 as the flagship of the U.S. Mint's modern bullion program.
Questions & Answers
Common questions about American Gold Eagle coins answered by our editorial team.
What is the American Gold Eagle coin?
The American Gold Eagle is a 22-karat gold bullion coin minted by the U.S. Mint since 1986. It contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold alloyed with copper and silver for durability. The coin carries a $50 face value and is legal tender in the United States.
Why is the Gold Eagle 22-karat instead of pure gold?
The Gold Eagle uses a .9167 fine alloy (22-karat) with copper and silver to create a more durable coin that resists scratching and wear. Despite the alloy, each 1 oz Gold Eagle contains exactly 1 troy ounce of pure gold. The coin simply weighs more (1.0909 oz total) because of the alloy metals.
How much does an American Gold Eagle cost?
At current gold prices, an American Gold Eagle costs approximately ~$4,250–$4,700 depending on spot price and dealer premiums. The price consists of the gold spot value plus a premium typically ranging from 3-5% for standard bullion coins.
Are Gold Eagle coins easy to sell?
Yes, American Gold Eagle coins are highly liquid. As America's most popular gold bullion coin with U.S. Mint legal tender status, they're recognized and readily purchased by dealers worldwide. Most established dealers will buy Gold Eagle coins at competitive prices, typically within 2-3% of spot.
Can I hold Gold Eagle coins in my IRA?
Yes, American Gold Eagle coins are specifically named in IRS code as approved assets for Precious Metals IRAs. They are explicitly approved regardless of the general purity requirements. Coins must be held by an approved custodian in an approved depository while in your IRA.
Further Reading
View current pricing or browse the resource library for detailed guides on premiums, storage, and IRA eligibility.