1 oz Gold American Eagle $50 Coin - Random Year

The 1 oz American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States. First issued by the U.S. Mint in 1986, each coin contains a full 1 troy ounce of gold and carries a legal tender face value of $50 USD.

For buyers who prefer U.S.-minted gold, the American Gold Eagle and American Gold Buffalo are two of the primary choices. The Gold Eagle is struck in a durable 22-karat alloy, while still containing a full troy ounce of pure gold. The addition of silver and copper gives the coin greater durability and its distinctive appearance.

The American Gold Eagle design has changed only once since the series began. Coins produced from 1986 through part of 2021 feature the original reverse showing a family of American bald eagles. A new reverse was introduced in 2021 featuring a detailed close-up portrait of a bald eagle.

This listing is for a Random Date American Gold Eagle. The date and reverse design you receive will depend on current inventory. For buyers focused primarily on gold content rather than a specific year, Random Date coins can provide a straightforward way to purchase American Gold Eagles.

Coin Highlights

• Contains 1 troy oz of actual gold weight.
• Produced by the United States Mint.
• Legal tender face value of $50 USD.
• Composed of .9167 fine gold, also known as 22-karat gold.
• Although the coin is not .9999 fine, it still contains a full 1 troy ounce of pure gold.
• Obverse: Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Liberty design, adapted from the famous $20 Gold Double Eagle.
• Original reverse: a male bald eagle carrying an olive branch above a nest with a female eagle and eaglets.
• Current reverse: a detailed close-up portrait of an American bald eagle.
• Random Date coins may vary in year and reverse design according to available inventory.
• Eligible for many Precious Metals IRAs when held in accordance with applicable retirement account requirements.

Coins may vary in date and reverse design according to available inventory. Product images are representative and the exact coin received may differ from the example shown.

Why Buy a Random Date Gold Eagle?

Buyers choosing a Random Date Gold Eagle are generally focused on the coin's gold content and purchase premium rather than a specific year. Because MintBuilder can fulfill the order from available inventory, Random Date coins may sometimes be offered at a lower premium than specific-date, certified or specially packaged Gold Eagles.

Every 1 oz Gold Eagle contains the same stated amount of gold regardless of year. For bullion buyers, this makes Random Date coins a practical option when the objective is to acquire American Gold Eagles at a competitive premium.

22K Gold vs. 24K Gold

The American Gold Eagle is composed of approximately 91.67% gold, 3% silver and 5.33% copper. This differs from 24-karat bullion coins, which are generally .999 or .9999 fine.

The additional silver and copper make the Gold Eagle more resistant to wear and handling. They do not replace any of the stated gold content: each 1 oz American Gold Eagle still contains 31.103 grams, or one full troy ounce, of pure gold.

Fractional American Gold Eagle Coins

American Gold Eagles are available in 1/10 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz and 1 oz sizes. All four sizes use the same core design and are issued by the U.S. Mint with their stated gold content guaranteed by the United States government.

Fractional Gold Eagles allow buyers to purchase American gold bullion with a lower total purchase amount. They can also provide greater flexibility when selling because an investor can liquidate a smaller amount of gold without selling an entire one-ounce coin.

• Shop 1/10 oz American Gold Eagles
• Shop 1/4 oz American Gold Eagles
• Shop 1/2 oz American Gold Eagles

Fractional Gold Eagles usually carry a higher premium percentage than the 1 oz coin. The smaller coins have a lower total purchase price, but minting, distribution and handling costs are spread across a smaller amount of gold.

American Gold Eagle Prices

American Gold Eagles are priced according to the current spot price of gold plus a market premium. The premium can change based on U.S. Mint supply, wholesale availability, investor demand, market volatility and dealer inventory.

When comparing Gold Eagles, bullion buyers should consider the premium over spot in addition to the total purchase price. A lower premium means a larger portion of the purchase price is going directly toward the underlying gold value.

Buyers looking for lower premiums will commonly compare 1 oz Random Date and current-year Gold Eagles. Certified coins, special packaging and certain specific dates may carry additional premiums. Fractional Gold Eagles have a lower overall price per coin, but generally carry a higher premium percentage than the full 1 oz size.

Buying and Selling American Gold Eagles

The American Gold Eagle has been produced continuously since 1986 and has an established market among precious metals dealers and investors. Its standardized weight and government-guaranteed gold content make the coin straightforward for market participants to identify and value.

When it is time to sell, the amount offered for a Gold Eagle will depend on the current gold price, market premiums, quantity, condition and dealer demand at that time.

IRA-Eligible American Gold Eagles

American Gold Eagles are among the U.S. gold bullion coins that may qualify for inclusion in a self-directed Precious Metals IRA. Coins held inside an IRA must be purchased, held and stored in accordance with applicable IRS and custodian requirements.

Investors considering physical gold for a retirement account should confirm current eligibility, custody and storage requirements with their IRA custodian or qualified tax professional.