Buy American Gold Eagle Coins – The United States' Official Bullion Coin
The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States, authorised by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and first struck in 1986 by the US Mint. With 15 products at CelticGold across all four standard sizes, it carries a full government guarantee and the most iconic design in American numismatic history – the Walking Liberty by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman.
History – From Confiscation to the Modern Eagle
The Eagle's historical backdrop is dramatic. President Roosevelt's Executive Order 6102 (1933) confiscated virtually all private gold in the United States. American gold ownership remained illegal for over 40 years – until President Ford legalised it in 1974. The Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 created the Eagle, launched in 1986.
The obverse Walking Liberty design – originally Weinman's 1916 Half Dollar – is considered America's finest coin design. In 2021, the reverse was redesigned for the first time since 1986: Emily Damstra's new eagle-in-flight image replaced the heraldic family design, incorporating improved anti-counterfeiting features. The 2021 year is unique in existing with both old and new reverses – a numismatic milestone making it exceptionally collectible.
Why 22 carat (916.7/1,000) and not pure gold?
The copper-silver alloy makes the Eagle significantly more scratch-resistant than pure gold coins. The fine gold content (31.1035 g per 1 oz) is US Government-guaranteed regardless of the alloy.
Eagle or Buffalo?
American Eagle: 22 carat, four sizes, classic Walking Liberty design. American Buffalo: 24 carat (999.9/1,000), 1 oz only, Buffalo Nickel design. Both carry full US Government guarantee.
What changed in 2021?
The reverse design was updated for the first time since 1986 – new eagle-in-flight with improved security. 2021 exists with both old and new reverses, making it uniquely collectible.
