Gold coins were often used as currency in the earliest times of civilization. But these coins are considered a type of investment now. Bullion gold coins are particularly well recognized for their investment purposes. The price of gold coins tends to fluctuate a great deal from one day to the next depending upon gold prices. All countries have their official bullion gold coins. American Eagle gold coins are known as the official USA bullion gold coins.

The U.S. mints the American Eagle Gold Coins from gold found in the U.S. When it was introduced in 1986, as an alternative to South African gold, its popularity quickly grew as the South African gold was banned. Ever since then, American Eagle coins have been much more popular than South African gold

American Eagle Coins are available in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz denominations, and are 22 carat gold (91.67% pure gold). The coin's denomination indicates the coin's gold content, with the additional metals being in addition to the weight of the gold. Unlike South African Kruggerands which contain a copper alloy, American Eagles contain a copper and silver alloy, giving them a lighter, yellow tone that the deep orange of Kruggerands.

On the obverse of the American Eagle is the Liberty statue, a brazen image of democracy. On the reverse is an image of an eagle flying with his partner and their child. The male eagle is a symbol to the United States' power and resolve, but he is carrying a olive branch to symbolize America's quest for peace. Aside from the gold content, all denominations of the American Eagle have the same design.

American gold coins are imprinted with a face value. One ounce coins are labeled as $50 coins, one-half ounce coins are labeled $25, one-fourth ounce coins, $10 and one-tenth ounce coins are labeled as $5. The truth is, though, these face values are merely emblematic values which mirror the coin category as legal tender. Their real value is based on the market value of the gold content in the coin plus a premium. As a point of fact, an American Eagle US gold coin marked as a $50 coin is in actuality worth about $900 right now!

American gold coins are some of the most popular gold coins in the world. Their beautiful design and powerful symbolism, as well as their classical gold hue, make American Eagles pleasing gold coins for collection and display. And with their full weight and gold content being guaranteed and backed by the US mint, they also make a fine investment. Every serious gold coin collector owns an American Eagle!