First around in 1986, it quickly became one of the one of the world's leading investment coins. The front of the coin is almost identical to the $20 Augustus St. Gauden. These were created from 1907-1933 and were named the 'double-eagle'. They are designed to create awe like ancient Greek and Roman coins.

The gold eagles undergo a specialized process in the mint which starts by entering burnished coin blanks into presses fitted special dies. The coin is struck multiple times so that the images appear to float above a mirror-like field.

The golden eagle is the only bullion coin guaranteed by the American government (congressionally authorized) which means that it is even more of a safe investment. They guarantee it's gold content, weight, and purity. Investors generally prefer the gold eagle to gold bullion bars or other golden coins because of delays or added expenses for assaying.

Different to most bullion gold coins, American eagles are non-reportable, private and preferred by gold investors because of their complete privacy, safety and security.

The gold eagle coin has a reeded edge and is 22 karat (which means 91.67% gold, 3% silver and 5.33% copper.) This is the standard for gold coins because it creates a harder coin that resists marring and scratching.

In 2006 the US mint introduced the American eagle uncirculated coin. The golden version was made in one-tenth, one-quarter, one-half and one ounce sizes, along with a complete four-coin set containing one of each size.

In 1999, the US mint at West Point produced a limited number of accidental 1/10 oz and 1/4 oz uncirculated coins. All the other West Point gold American eagles are proofs.

If you are about to buy gold eagles and you would like to maintain your anonymity it is sensible to buy from a coin trader who don't demand your social security number or request an application.