Gold Eagles

American Gold Eagles use Saint-Gaudens's Liberty across tenth-, quarter-, half-, and one-ounce coins, with Roman-numeral debuts, multiple finishes, sets, and a 2021 reverse redesign.

This guide covers all cataloged 1986–2026 fractional and one-ounce issues and proof sets. Bullion, proof, burnished uncirculated, and special products remain distinct.

Core specifications

Issue period

1986 to date

Catalog mints

2

Reported catalog mintage

56,985,580

Composition

91.67% Gold - 3% Silver - 5.33% Copper

Diameter

Varies by type

Weight

Varies by type

Classic art enters a modern bullion system

The 1986 American Eagle program created government-guaranteed gold bullion in four standard weights while adapting a celebrated 1907 Liberty design.

Miley Busiek Frost's eagle family reverse served through the Type 1 era; Jennie Norris's close eagle portrait began the Type 2 reverse in 2021.

Obverse, reverse, and the details that identify the type

Confirm the major design, date, and mint mark before studying smaller die differences.

The main portrait and date

Saint-Gaudens's Liberty strides forward holding torch and olive branch; modern adaptations add the issue date and surrounding stars.

Denomination, subject, and mint mark

Type 1 shows a male eagle above a nest and family; Type 2 presents a detailed left-facing bald eagle head.

Where the cataloged coins were made

Totals are calculated from reported issue records in this catalog; unknown figures are not counted as zero.

• P — Philadelphia: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020; 45,209,636. P identifies Philadelphia; confirm its expected position and issue format against the series design guide.
• W — West Point: 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026; 11,775,944. W identifies West Point; use the year, product, and finish to separate circulation releases from collector issues.

Representative issues that explain the series

Choose a weight and finish before building dates. Four-coin sets, Roman-numeral dates, the 2021 transition, and special anniversary releases form separate subprojects.

• 1986 P - MCMLXXXVI — 1,362,650. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 1986 W - MCMLXXXVI - Proof — 446,290. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 2020 W - Proof - End of World War II 75th Anniversary — 1,939. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 2021 W — 456,500. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 2021 W — 665,500. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.
• 2026 W - $50 $25 $10 $5 — N/A. Open the issue page and read this record together with its type, mint, finish, and grade context.

Start with the major type, then study smaller die differences

The current catalog records 57 varieties. A variety name describes repeatable die features; it does not automatically mean error, rarity, or added value.

The issue catalog keeps all 57 modeled varieties attached to their parent issue records.

Issue catalog

From one type coin to a complete catalog

• One representative coin: Choose one problem-free, readable example and learn the size, edge, and major design.
• Major-type set: Use one coin per major design to show changes in artwork, composition, or production.
• Dates and mints: Work through the issue catalog by date and mint, defining special finishes separately.
• Variety study: Choose one date or diagnostic family and record several matching markers for every attribution.

A note on catalog records

This page uses 355 issue records, 57 modeled varieties, and currently reported mintages; unknown values remain unknown.

Sources

1. American Eagle Coin Program — United States Mint
2. United States Mint Bullion Coins — United States Mint
3. Gold Eagles category reference — PCGS CoinFacts