American Eagle Series
The American Eagle bullion coin series is one of the most popular and widely recognized series of bullion coins produced by the United States Mint. The series was created to provide investors with an official U.S. government-backed bullion coin for investment purposes, capitalizing on the growing interest in precious metals as a store of value.
History and Purpose
- Beginning: The American Eagle bullion coin series was first introduced in 1986.
- Reason for Creation: It was created to offer a reliable and convenient way for investors to buy precious metals directly from the U.S. Mint. The coins were intended to compete with other global bullion coins, such as the Canadian Maple Leaf and the South African Krugerrand, and to provide a legal tender option backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Precious Metals Available
The American Eagle series is available in four different precious metals: gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Each metal has its own unique coin designs and specifications.
1. American Gold Eagle - Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper - Denominations: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz - Design:
- Obverse: Features a design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, showing Lady Liberty striding forward, holding a torch and an olive branch, with the Capitol building in the background.
- Reverse: Until 2021, the reverse featured a design by Miley Busiek of a family of eagles. In 2021, a new design was introduced featuring a close-up portrait of an eagle by Jennie Norris.
- Legal Tender Values: $50 (1 oz), $25 (1/2 oz), $10 (1/4 oz), $5 (1/10 oz)
2. American Silver Eagle - Composition: 99.9% pure silver - Denomination: 1 oz - Design:
- Obverse: Features Adolph A. Weinman’s Walking Liberty design, originally used on the half dollar from 1916 to 1947.
- Reverse: Until 2021, the reverse featured a heraldic eagle design by John Mercanti. A new reverse design introduced in 2021 by Emily Damstra features a soaring eagle.
- Legal Tender Value: $1
3. American Platinum Eagle - Composition: 99.95% pure platinum - Denominations: 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz - Design:
- Obverse: Features a design of the Statue of Liberty, created by John Mercanti.
- Reverse: The reverse design changes yearly, focusing on themes such as American freedoms or constitutional principles. However, in some years, the reverse features an eagle design.
- Legal Tender Values: $100 (1 oz), $50 (1/2 oz), $25 (1/4 oz), $10 (1/10 oz)
4. American Palladium Eagle - Composition: 99.95% pure palladium - Denomination: 1 oz - Design:
- Obverse: Features the Mercury Dime design by Adolph A. Weinman, showing Liberty wearing a winged cap, reminiscent of the Roman god Mercury.
- Reverse: Features a high-relief version of Weinman’s reverse design for the 1907 American Institute of Architects gold medal, depicting an eagle perched on a rock with laurel branches.
- Legal Tender Value: $25
Summary
The American Eagle bullion coin series, since its introduction in 1986, has become a cornerstone for both investors and collectors due to its high purity, stunning designs, and government backing. Each coin in the series offers a unique combination of historical significance and investment value.