Gold American Eagle coins are a series of collectable coins minted by U.S. Mint and issued by the federal government. The composition of the coin is 91.67% pure gold, with minor silver and copper content. This coin was originally released in the 1986 and has continued to this day. Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed the front image of the coin; the coin depicts an image of Lady Liberty holding an olive branch and a torch—two very patriotic symbols, and important to American culture.
On the reverse side of the coin, we see an eagle soaring above its nest, bringing an olive branch to its mate and hatchlings. The reverse image was designed by Miley Busiek. Besides the images, what makes this coin unique? It is a gold coin officially authorized by the U.S. government. It is guaranteed to have the exact amount of gold content. It comes in multiple sizes including one tenth of an ounce, one fourth of an ounce, one-half of an ounce and one ounce.
The market value of gold American Eagle coins is somewhat higher than its bullion value, though not by much. Although the coin series has legal worth, $5, $10, $25, and $50 respectively, these coins are worth bullion price to collectors. Their actual price will be determined by the current price of gold, silver, or other precious metals. For example, the price of gold is currently $1,200 per one troy ounce. Thus, the coin will be sold at a price higher than $1,200 or until the price increases or decreases.
Gold American Eagle coins come in different sizes and thus their price is partly determined by their gold content. The 1/10th coin is 16.50 mm and 1.19 mm in size, which makes .1091 troy ounces in total. On the other hand, the one troy oz coin is 32.70 mm by 2.87 mm and worth one full troy ounce. If you are collecting these coins then try looking for proof versions, which are of slightly higher value, because of their lack of distribution, and because of their minting location.
There is a chance that these coins could increase in value as time goes on, well beyond the bullion price. Not only are they bound to increase because of the rarity of gold; but they may also increase in collectable value because of their special interest to American coin collectors. Talk to your coin collector (or visit a dealer website) for more information on gold American Eagle coins.