1/4 oz Gold American Eagles (2011)

Specifications:
The content of a gold American Eagle coin is: 91.67% gold (22 karat), 3% silver, and 5.33% copper.
Diameter: 32.70 mm
Thickness: 2.87 mm
Gross weight: 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 g)
Face value: $50

Authorized by the Bullion Coin Act of 1985, American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins quickly became one of the world's leading gold bullion investment coins (by mintage).  Produced from gold mined in the United States, American Eagles are imprinted with their gold content and legal tender "face" value.  An American Eagle's value is based on the market price of its metal content, plus a small premium to cover coinage and distribution. The US Mint charges 3% over spot for gold coins, thus if the price of gold rises so will the premium ($1,000 gold $30 charged by the mint, $1,200 gold $36 charged by the mint). The coins are minted at the West Point Mint NY, and ship in monster boxes containing 25 rolls of 20 coins.  Each 1 oz coin has a face value of $50 US dollars.

In 2008 the United States Mint implemented rationing of coins on several occasions, because they didn't have the ability to produce the coins fast enough for consumer demand.  When this happens the premium (amount charged over spot) to the end consumer can rise quickly.
American Eagles use the durable 22 karat standard established for gold circulating coinage over 350 years ago.  They contain their stated amount of pure gold, plus small amounts of alloy.  This creates harder coins that resist scratching and marring, which can diminish resale value.

Minted to exacting standards, the obverse (front) design is inspired by what's often considered one of America's most beautiful coins:  Augustus Saint-Gaudens' celebrated $20 gold piece, minted from 1907-1933.  The reverse design, by sculptor Miley Busiek, features a male eagle carrying an olive branch flying above a nest containing a female eagle and her hatchlings.

Gold American Eagles: Government Guarantee

What truly sets American Eagles apart is that they are the only bullion coins whose weight, content and purity are guaranteed by the United States Government.  Investors can buy them with confidence, knowing the coins contain their stated amount of gold.  In addition, long-term savers can include American Eagles in their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).

Gold American Eagles: Investing in Gold

Ever since its discovery 5,000 years ago, gold has been treasured for its unmatched luster, beauty and intrinsic value. Today, gold continues to enjoy widespread appeal as an investment and storehouse of value.  Gold is an internationally recognized monetary and financial asset held in reserve by major governments.  It is so rare that all the gold ever mined could fit into a cube measuring just 20 yards on each side.  Most importantly, gold can play a role in diversifying an investment portfolio, since it can move independently of stocks and bonds.  What's more, gold is a tangible asset - one whose beauty and artistry you can literally hold in your hands. When purchased in the form of legal tender bullion coins, gold can be affordable, as well as easy to buy and store.

Gold American Eagles: Easy to Buy and Sell

An important measure of any investment is its liquidity:  How easy is it to resell?  United States Government backing means that like the dollar, American Eagle Bullion Coins are accepted in major investment markets worldwide.  They are also the most widely traded bullion coins in America, affording investors narrow spreads between buy and sell prices.

It's easy to track the value of American Eagle Bullion Coins.  Most major newspapers report the daily price of gold.
You can purchase American Eagle Gold Bullion Coins from most major coin and precious metals dealers, as well as brokerage houses and participating banks. They are minted in four weights - 1/10, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 ounce.

Gold American Eagle Mintage of Bullion Coins (this does not include proof coins)