American Eagle 1/2oz Gold Coin 2016
US Mint
The US mint was founded in 1792 and mints all circulating US-Dollar notes, coins and world-famous gold and silver investment products, such as the American Eagle.
The American Gold Eagle 1/2 oz is one of the most popular fractional gold coins in the United States. The American Eagle was introduced in 1986 and is minted in 4 different sizes which include 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. While the American Eagle is the most popular Gold coin in the United States, it is also recognized as a high quality gold bullion coin globally.
Brand name bullion coins like the American Eagle are typically bought and sold globally wherever precious metals are traded.
Weight, Size & Alloy
One of the more unique features of the American Eagle is it’s composition, which consists of 22 karat gold. Unlike other gold coins the American Eagle is made up of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper.
As a result of this unique composition, the American Eagle has a slight red tint because of the copper content but also has a shinny appearance because of the Silver content. The copper alloy also provides greater durability. The composition of the American Eagle results in a truly stunning looking gold coin.
The key dimensions of the 1/2 oz American Eagle are listed below:
|
Size |
Fineweight |
Weight |
Thickness |
Diameter |
Par value |
|
1/2 oz |
15.55 g |
16.966 g |
2.24 mm |
27 mm |
25 Dollar |
History
The American Eagle is an official gold bullion coin of the United States. Under the gold bullion coin act of 1985, it was first released by the United States Mint in 1986. American Eagle gold coins are guaranteed by the US government to contain the stated amount of actual gold weight in troy ounces.
The American Eagle fractional gold coin series is offered in 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz denominations. The United Sates Mint was founded in 1792 and manufactures the American Eagle. The mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury.
The United Sates Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; congressional gold metals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins. The American Eagle gold coins are minted at the US Mint in West Point, NY.
Design & Appearance
One of the attractive features of the American Eagle 1/2 oz gold coin is it’s detailed design. The image of lady liberty with flowing hair on the front of the coin is one of the most recognizable images in the world. The design shows her with a torch in her right hand and olive branch in her left and the capitol building in the background.
The reverse of the coin display’s a male eagle with an olive branch flying over a female eagle with with her eaglet in a nest. Also displayed is the text description on the coin, which reads; 1/2 oz FINE GOLD 25 DOLLARS.
In 1986, Liberty, as depicted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens was elected as the design that would grace the obverse of the American Eagle gold coins. The Saint-Gaudens design first appeared on the on the United States’ 20, or double-eagle, gold piece back in 1907, where it remained until 1920.
As a result anyone who invests in the American Eagle gold coin is receiving a high quality gold coin with good global brand recognition.
Advantages
The American Gold Eagle is unique when its comes to it’s composition which makes it an attractive choice for investors. Because of the 3% silver content and the 5.33% coper content, the coins offers both durability and beauty. Investors who are looking for a resistant coin that is less susceptible to surface scratches will like the American Eagle.
While the American Eagle has not had the success of the Canadian Maple Leaf or South African Krugerrand, it is a globally recognizable coin that is very liquid. As a result, investors outside the United States are able to buy and sell the American Eagle coin at most places where precious metals are traded.
The one drawback to the American Eagle gold coin is that it can sometimes carry a higher premium of approximately 1%. This is for two reasons; first the coin has higher manufacturing costs due to the silver content; And secondly is that new editions are sometimes more expensive because they are “uncirculated”.
Despite this higher premium the American Eagle gold coin is an excellent choice for the gold investor. The benefit of fractional coins like the 1/2 oz American Eagle is that investors and collectors can buy a brand name gold coin in smaller weights.
Product Details
- Manufacturer: United States Mint
- Country of origin: United States of America
- Karat: 22 K
- Gold: 91.67%
- Copper: 5.33%
- Silver: 3%
- Fineness: 916 ⅔ / 1000
- Alloy: Copper-Silver-Gold
- Weights: 1/2 oz
- Scratch resistance: good
| Metal | Gold |
| Form | Gold Coin |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer | US Mint |
| Series | Eagle |
| Purity | 916/1000 |
| Fineweight | 15.55 gram |
| Gross Weight | 16.97 gram |
| Denomination (oz) | 1/2 oz |
| Year of issue | 2016 |
| Grade | Brilliant |
| Condition | Circulated |
| Face value | 25 Dollar |
| Thickness | 2.24 mm |
| Diameter | 27.00 mm |
| Packaging | Single in Pouch |
| Packaging Unit | 20 per tube |