Gold Eagles

Miley Frost (Busiek)

The American Gold Eagle was first issued in 1986 as the official gold bullion coin of the United States of America. The coins were authorized by Congress, under the American Eagle Bullion Program, as a method for investors to conveniently and cost effectively purchase precious metals. The weight, content, and purity of of Gold Eagles are guaranteed by the U.S. Government.

The obverse features Augustus Saint-Gaudens' legendary design that previously appeared on the Double Eagle from 1907 to 1933. The reverse of the American Gold from 1986 to 2021, known as the type 1, was designed by Miley Busiek (now Miley Frost) and depicted a family of eagles with the male flying above carrying a branch an olive branch he was bringing back to a nest with the female and several hatchlings.

In 2021, the U.S. Mint introduced a new reverse design for the American Gold Eagle. Known as the type 2 Gold Eagle, this new design is the work of U.S. Mint AIP Artist Jennie Norris, depicts a close-up, left-facing profile of just the head of the eagle provides a very realistic image that focuses on its strong beak and fierce gaze and features thick and dense plumage shown in beautiful detail appearing around the bird’s head, a motif more reminiscent of designs that have appeared on coins such as the Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle series.