In 1986, Liberty, as depicted by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, was selected as the design that would grace the obverse of the American Eagle Gold Coins. The Saint-Gaudens design first appeared on the United States’ $20, or double eagle, gold piece in 1907, where it remained until 1933.
Like their gold counterparts, American Eagle Silver Coins have been produced and sold in both proof and bullion finishes since 1986. They have always featured a rendition of sculptor Adolph A. Weinman’s magnificent Walking Liberty design, originally prepared and executed for the half dollar coin in 1916.
American Eagle Bullion Coins
Congressionally authorized American Eagle Bullion coins provide investors with a convenient and cost effective way to add a small amount of physical gold, silver, platinum, or palladium to their investment portfolios. The American Eagle Bullion program was launched in 1986 with the sale of American Eagle Gold and Silver Bullion Coins. Platinum was added to the American Eagle Bullion family in 1997 and palladium in 2017.
American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins are available in four sizes: one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce. The American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins, Platinum Bullion Coins, and Palladium Bullion Coins are only available in the one ounce size.
The U.S. Mint does not sell American Eagle Bullion coins directly to the public. Learn more about how to buy American Eagle Bullion coins.
Watch the video below to learn about palladium coins.
American Eagle Proof and Uncirculated Coins
The Mint produces proof and uncirculated versions of the American Eagle Coins for collectors. The American Eagle Proof program was introduced in 1986 with the sale of gold proof and silver proof coins. In 1997 the Mint introduced platinum proof coins, and in 2018 started making palladium proof coins.
American Eagle proof and uncirculated coins sell at a fixed price and can be purchased directly from the U.S. Mint.
American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins
The United States Mint made numismatic history in 1997 when it produced its first legal tender platinum piece—the American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin. Its $100 face value is the highest denomination for a U.S. legal tender coin. Produced for collectors, it bears the “W” mint mark of the West Point Mint where it is produced. This precious metal coin has a limited mintage and may be purchased directly from the United States Mint.
Since its inception, the American Eagle One Ounce Platinum Proof Coin has shared a common obverse (heads) that features a portrait of Liberty. The coin’s reverse (tails) has featured a variety of themed series designs, including “Vistas of Liberty,” “Foundations of Democracy,” “The Preamble to the Constitution,” and “Torches of Liberty.”
Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin Series
As the program enters its third decade, 2018 will mark the first time the Mint has issued a series featuring all new obverse designs created concurrently by one designer, as well as a new common reverse design.
Watch the video below to learn about the first coin in the series.
The new three-year “Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Platinum Proof Coin Series” will feature one ounce proof coins struck in 99.95 percent platinum. The obverse designs portray Lady Liberty planting seeds for future sustenance, lighting the way westward, and harvesting the well-worked crops. The inscriptions “Life” in 2018, “Liberty” in 2019, and “Happiness” in 2020 are likenesses of the handwritten words from the Declaration of Independence.