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 £ 512.06 |
 | Gold Sovereign Best Value Gold Coin £ 1,011.65 |
 | 1906 King Edward VII Gold Half Sovereign Coin In Capsule £ 481.00 |
 | Royal Mint UK GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1979 to 2026 - Choose your year £ 1,100.00 |
 | Full Gold Sovereign, 1912, George V. £ 960.40 |
 | 1912 George V Gold Half Sovereign 22ct £ 506.50 |
 | Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign Reproduction Coin £ 17.99 |
 | 2023 King Charles III Coronation Gold Proof Half Sovereign Royal Mint Boxed £ 695.20 |
On eBay USA:
| Bullion Gold Half Sovereign Best Value £ 512.06 |
| Gold Sovereign Best Value Gold Coin £ 1,011.65 |
| 1906 King Edward VII Gold Half Sovereign Coin In Capsule £ 481.00 |
| Royal Mint UK GOLD PROOF SOVEREIGN 1979 to 2026 - Choose your year £ 1,100.00 |
 | 1995 Gold Proof Half sovereign- James Butler £ 557.50 |
| Full Gold Sovereign, 1912, George V. £ 960.40 |
| 1912 George V Gold Half Sovereign 22ct £ 506.50 |
 | 2025 Gold Half Sovereign - Last of the Rose Gold £ 521.32 |
| Queen Victoria Gold Sovereign Reproduction Coin £ 17.99 |
| 2023 King Charles III Coronation Gold Proof Half Sovereign Royal Mint Boxed £ 695.20 |