A 1 oz American Gold Eagle contains exactly 1 troy ounce of gold in a 22-karat alloy. The official gold bullion coin of the United States, minted since 1986. Its melt value updates in real time based on the current gold spot price.
Melt value only. Collector premiums and dealer spreads not included. Based on 1 troy oz gold per coin.
Coin Specifications
American Gold Eagle Value Specs
Composition
91.67% gold (22 karat), 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Gross Weight
33.931g
Gold Content
1.0000 troy oz
Face Value
$50.00
Mint Years
1986-present
Mint Marks
West Point (W), Philadelphia (P)
Diameter
32.7mm
Designer
Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)
Background
Why Stackers Track This Coin
The American Gold Eagle was authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and first struck in 1986. It is the official gold bullion coin of the United States and is backed by the US government for gold content, weight, and purity. The obverse features a modified version of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' iconic Liberty design, originally used on the $20 Double Eagle gold coin from 1907 to 1933 — widely considered the most beautiful US coin ever minted. The reverse features a family of eagles designed by Miley Busiek. Gold Eagles are available in four sizes: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz. The 1 oz coin carries a $50 face value. For gold stackers, the American Gold Eagle is the most recognized gold bullion coin in the US market, with unmatched liquidity and dealer acceptance.
Compare
American Gold Eagle Value vs Similar Coins
The American Gold Eagle is the benchmark US gold bullion coin. At 1 troy oz of gold content in a durable 22-karat alloy, it is IRA-eligible and universally recognized by dealers worldwide.
Coin
Composition
Gold (oz)
Melt Value
Notes
American Gold Eagle Valuethis coin
91.67% gold (22 karat), 3% silver, 5.33% copper
1 oz
—
—
American Gold Buffalo (1 oz)
99.99% gold
1 oz
—
Purer gold, IRA eligible, slightly higher premium
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (1 oz)
99.99% gold
1 oz
—
Same weight, purer, strong international recognition
Krugerrand (1 oz)
91.67% gold
1 oz
—
Same alloy, no face value, lower premium typically
American Gold Eagle 1/10 oz
91.67% gold
0.1 oz
—
Fractional size, higher premium per oz
Common Questions
American Gold Eagle Value FAQ
How much gold is in a 1 oz American Gold Eagle?
A 1 oz American Gold Eagle contains exactly 1 troy ounce of gold. Its total gross weight is 33.931 grams because the coin is struck in 22-karat gold — 91.67% gold with 3% silver and 5.33% copper added for durability. The gold content is guaranteed by the US government at exactly 1 troy oz regardless of the alloy composition.
Are American Gold Eagles IRA eligible?
Yes. American Gold Eagles are IRA-eligible despite being 22-karat rather than 24-karat gold. The IRS specifically exempts Gold Eagles from the standard .9950 fineness requirement because they are official US government coins. This makes them one of the most popular choices for gold IRAs alongside Canadian Maple Leafs and American Gold Buffalos.
What is the face value of a Gold Eagle?
A 1 oz American Gold Eagle has a nominal face value of $50. This is purely symbolic — the coin's actual value based on gold content is many times higher. You would never spend a Gold Eagle at face value. The face value exists to give the coin legal tender status in the United States.
What is the difference between a Gold Eagle and a Gold Buffalo?
The American Gold Eagle is 22-karat gold (91.67% pure) while the American Gold Buffalo is 24-karat gold (99.99% pure). Both contain exactly 1 troy oz of gold. The Buffalo's higher purity makes it more attractive for some international buyers and gold IRAs that require .9999 fineness. Gold Eagles typically carry slightly lower premiums and have deeper secondary market liquidity in the US.
How much is a 1 oz American Gold Eagle worth today?
A Gold Eagle's value is primarily its gold content: 1 oz × current gold spot price. At $2,000 gold the melt value is $2,000. Retail price is typically 3-5% above spot in normal markets. Use the live calculator above for the current melt value based on today's gold spot price.
If you're tracking multiple coins, MyOunces automatically calculates your total melt value across gold, silver, platinum, and palladium with live spot prices.