The American Gold Eagle Coin was introduced in 1986 as an official gold bullion coin so the USA could compete with other Country’s offerings. It is offered as 1oz, ½oz, ¼oz and tenth oz, both as proof and uncirculated.
As the word ‘Eagle’ is already associated with the pre-1933 $10 coin, the weight of the coin is often used in its description, such as ‘One Ounce American Gold Eagle’.
The Obverse features “Standing Liberty” holding a torch and olive branch, which is a modified version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ $20 gold coin design. The Reverse depicts the “Family of Eagles” motif, designed by Miley Frances Busiek, symbolizing family tradition and unity
The gold used is 22 karat which is 91.67% gold (Crown gold). The rest of the alloy is a mixture of silver (3%) and copper (5.33%) in order to make the coin harder and less prone to damage. The coins have a ‘W’ below the date to indicate they are made at the West Point Mint, New York.
| Description | Face Value | Weight | Diameter | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 troy oz | $50 | 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 g) | 32.70 mm | 2.87 mm |
| 1/2 troy oz | $25 | 0.5454 troy oz (16.965 g) | 27 mm | 2.24 mm |
| 1/4 troy oz | $10 | 0.2727 troy oz (8.483 g) | 22 mm | 1.83 mm |
| 1/10 troy oz | $5 | 0.1091 troy oz (3.393 g) | 16.5 mm | 1.19 mm |
Although intended as a bullion coin with a value tied to the gold spot, some of these coins may carry a considerable premium as they are attractive and popular coins. They are usually sold with presentation case and certificate of authenticity (COA).
Images kindly released by the United States Mint.
On eBay UK:
 | Bullion Gold Half Sovereign Best Value £ 440.91 |
 | 1959 Full Sovereign British Coin Queen Elizabeth II 22ct Gold £ 877.00 |
 | King George 22ct Gold Half Sovereign 1915, MS condition, Very Nice Clean Coin £ 474.98 |
 | 2002 Britain 1 Sov Full Sovereign 0.917 Gold 7.9881g NGC PF 70 UC Golden Jubilee £ 1,250.00 |
 | King Edward VII 22ct Gold Half Sovereign 1902, MS condition, Very Nice Coin £ 474.98 |
 | 2005 Gold Half Sovereign Coin In Capsule With Presentation Card £ 440.00 |
 | 2011 Gold Sovereign St George and the Dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci £ 960.40 |
 | 2026 Half 1/2 Solid Gold Sovereign Coin in Sealed Royal Mint pack 22ct tracked £ 475.00 |
On eBay USA:
| Bullion Gold Half Sovereign Best Value £ 440.91 |
| 1959 Full Sovereign British Coin Queen Elizabeth II 22ct Gold £ 877.00 |
| King George 22ct Gold Half Sovereign 1915, MS condition, Very Nice Clean Coin £ 474.98 |
| 2002 Britain 1 Sov Full Sovereign 0.917 Gold 7.9881g NGC PF 70 UC Golden Jubilee £ 1,250.00 |
| King Edward VII 22ct Gold Half Sovereign 1902, MS condition, Very Nice Coin £ 474.98 |
| 2005 Gold Half Sovereign Coin In Capsule With Presentation Card £ 440.00 |
 | 2017 Gold Full Sovereign - 200th Anniversary Privy Mark - Bicentenary RM sealed £ 924.70 |
 | Royal Mint UK GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1979 to 2026 - Choose your year £ 955.00 |
| 2011 Gold Sovereign St George and the Dragon design by Benedetto Pistrucci £ 960.40 |
| 2026 Half 1/2 Solid Gold Sovereign Coin in Sealed Royal Mint pack 22ct tracked £ 475.00 |