Buy US Gold Coins – American Eagles, Buffalos and the California Gold Rush Legacy
The United States produces two of the world's most recognised gold bullion coins and maintains a rich numismatic heritage from over 175 years of Federal gold coinage. With 30 products at CelticGold, the US gold range covers the flagship modern bullion series plus historical pre-1933 pieces from America's golden coinage era.
History – From the California Gold Rush to the Liberty Age
The discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, California on 24 January 1848 triggered the California Gold Rush – transforming San Francisco from a village of 800 to a city of 25,000 within two years and reshaping the American economy. The US Mint dramatically expanded its operations, establishing branch mints in San Francisco (1854), Carson City, Nevada (1870) and Denver (1906) to process the flood of newly mined gold.
American gold coins of this era – the $5 Half Eagle, $10 Eagle and $20 Double Eagle – are among the most celebrated in numismatic history. The $20 Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle (designed by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at President Theodore Roosevelt's direct request in 1907) is widely considered the most beautiful US coin ever minted.
Executive Order 6102 of 5 April 1933 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt confiscated virtually all privately held gold in the United States. American citizens were required to deliver their gold coins and bars to the Federal Reserve at $20.67 per ounce. Private gold ownership remained illegal for over 40 years, until President Gerald Ford legalised it again in December 1974.
The Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 created the legal framework for the modern American Gold Eagle (launched 1986) and the American Gold Buffalo (launched 2006).
American Eagle or American Buffalo?American Eagle: 22 carat (916.7/1,000), four sizes, scratch-resistant alloy, Walking Liberty design. American Buffalo: 24 carat (999.9/1,000), 1 oz only, iconic Buffalo Nickel design. Both carry a US Government guarantee.
What changed with the American Eagle in 2021?
The reverse design was completely updated for the first time since 1986 – new eagle-in-flight design by Emily Damstra with enhanced anti-counterfeiting features. The 2021 year is the only one available with both old and new reverse, making it a numismatic milestone.
