1996 1 oz American Gold Eagle Coin BU

1996 1 oz American Gold Eagle Coin BU

Every year, one of the most anticipated releases in the bullion coin industry is the American Gold Eagle. This gold coin, first released back in 1986, is a staple of the high quality products the United States Mint produces in all its four branches. 

These coins have been known to experience high premium appreciation over the years making your investment much more valuable than the metal content alone.  

Coin Highlights

• Official gold bullion coin of the United States of America;
• Guaranteed to contain 1 Troy oz of actual gold in BU condition;
• Eligible for a Precious Metals IRA;
• Iconic Saint-Gaudens design of Lady Liberty on the obverse;
• The reverse portrays a scene with bald eagles;
• Face value of $50 backed by the US Government.

Design

The 1996 American gold eagle features the previous reverse design before it was redone in 2021. This design features a bald eagle with his wings extended flying towards another bald eagle, presumably a mother protecting her young.Around are the the mottos “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “IN GOD WE TRUST”. On the outer rim are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” AND “50 DOLLARS 1 OZ. FINE GOLD”.

The obverse is a modified version of the Lady Liberty as designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the $20 Double Eagle coin, discontinued back in 1933. We can see the Goddess of freedom striding forward, holding a lit torch on her stretched right arm, as she guides civilization to a path of enlightenment. On her left arm she holds an olive branch to symbolize the country’s desire for peace. In the background, behind her flowing gowns, the sun rises close to the Capitol Building on the lower left face of the design. A series of six-pointed stars encircle the scene with the word “LIBERTY” written above Lady Liberty’s head. The year of mintage is also struck on the obverse. 

Mintage

One ounce American Gold Eagle coins are struck with 22-karat gold (.9167 fineness). The United States Mint includes 3% silver and 5.33% copper in the alloy for improved durability and hardness. Nevertheless, the coin is guaranteed to contain 1 troy ounce of gold, as the silver and copper are added on top of the pure gold content. That means this coin is slightly heavier than other similar gold bullion coins in the market, such as the .9999 fine Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. The 1 oz American Gold Eagle actually weighs 1.0909 troy ounces (or 33.931 grams) with a diameter of 1.287 inches (32.70 mm).

American Gold Eagle Series

The United States Mint launched the American Gold Eagle bullion coin program in 1986. It included both gold and silver coin versions. With the astounding success of the program, in 1996 the Mint introduced the American Platinum Eagle coin and, more recently in 2017, a palladium counterpart as well.

The American Gold Eagle series also includes fractional sizes for investors looking for more varied or affordable sizes. The ½ troy ounce with a face value of $25, the ¼ troy ounce gold coin, bearing a face value of $10, and finally the 1/10 troy ounce with a face value of $5.

Buy 1996 1 oz American Gold Eagle Coins from SD Bullion

Investing in a gold bullion coin such as the American Eagle coin is arguably one of the most liquid options in gold investment. These coins are legal tender in the United States and are extremely popular among investors and coin collectors. Gold is a safe haven asset during times of economic downturn, so many experts suggest allocating a percentage of your portfolio to gold holdings and other precious metals as well.

You can purchase American Gold Eagle coins at the lowest premium over the gold spot price online from SD Bullion. We are always happy to assist our customers, so if you have any questions, make sure to contact us. You can reach us over the phone at 1(800)294-8732.