American Gold Eagles Gold Content and Weight
The Gold American Eagle is the most popular American bullion coin. Since the term “Eagle” is used to describe pre-1933 $10 Gold coins, we use the weight of the Gold American Eagle bullion coin to prevent confusion. Using the face value would especially obscure the distinction between the pre-1933 Gold coin and the $10 face value ¼ oz American Gold Eagle.
The American Gold Eagle is guaranteed by the U.S. government to contain the stated Gold weight in ounces and is available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, and 1/10 oz denominations. By law, the Gold used to produce these bullion coins must be sourced in the United States, and proceeds from American Gold Eagle sales are mandated, in part, to pay off the national debt.
Is There One Ounce of Fine Gold in a One Ounce Gold Eagle?
If the Gold American Eagle contains the stated weight of Gold, does that make then 100% Fine? American Gold Eagles are made from .9167 Fine Gold, which equates to 22-karat. The other 8.33% is composed of 3% Silver, with the balance weight made of Copper.
This alloy is very close to what is traditionally known as “crown Gold,” which was utilized in British coinage since 1526 when King Henry VIII utilized it for the Crown coin. Alloys like Crown Gold are less susceptible to wear than 24-karat Gold, which is vital for circulation.
Gold Eagles, by Weight and Denomination
If the Gold Eagles contain their stated weight in Gold, how much do they weigh? Gold American Eagles are identical in design and composition throughout their denominations.
1/10 ounce American Gold Eagles weigh 3.939 grams, with 0.1000 troy oz of Gold.
1/4 ounce Gold Eagles weigh 8.483 grams, with .2727 troy oz of Gold.
1/2 ounce Gold American Eagles weigh 16.966 grams with .5000 troy oz of Gold.
1 ounce Gold Eagles weigh 33.931 grams with 1 troy oz of Gold.
