Program began
1986U.S. Mint design transition reference
American Gold Eagle Type 1 vs. Type 2
Compare the original eagle-family reverse with the portrait-eagle reverse introduced in 2021. Select an issue year to see the design period; for a 2021 coin, the year alone cannot determine the type because both reverse designs were issued.
Source-based reference
Source-basedNo live quote needed for this referenceReverse redesign
Introduced in 2021Transition year
Both designs were issued in 2021Specification and intent
The reverse changed in 2021; the date needs context
Type 1 uses the traditional reverse design with an eagle above a nest. Type 2 uses Jennie Norris’s close-up eagle portrait. The Mint also refreshed obverse details in 2021. A year or visual feature is a reference clue, not a complete examination of a physical coin.
American Gold EagleGold Eagle specification; issue year is not a calculator input
- Issuer
- United States Mint
- Country
- United States
- Specification coverage
- Gold Eagle specification; issue year is not a calculator input
- Source method
- The selected denomination's stated fine-gold content is valued directly. Gross coin weight includes silver and copper alloy and is not treated as pure gold.
| Supported selection | Issue period | Denomination | Fineness | Fine gold | Gross weight | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz · $50 | Gold Eagle specification; issue year is not a calculator input | $50 | 916.70‰ | 1 troy oz | 33.931 g | Mint/source ↗ |
| ½ oz · $25 | Gold Eagle specification; issue year is not a calculator input | $25 | 916.70‰ | 0.5 troy oz | 16.966 g | Mint/source ↗ |
| ¼ oz · $10 | Gold Eagle specification; issue year is not a calculator input | $10 | 916.70‰ | 0.25 troy oz | 8.483 g | Mint/source ↗ |
| ¹⁄₁₀ oz · $5 | Gold Eagle specification; issue year is not a calculator input | $5 | 916.70‰ | 0.1 troy oz | 3.393 g | Mint/source ↗ |
Coin-level reference: U.S. Mint Gold Eagle specifications
| Topic | Type 1 | Type 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse design | Eagle above a nest; male eagle carries an olive branch | Close-up portrait of an eagle |
| Reverse design credit | Miley Busiek Frost | Jennie Norris; sculpted by Renata Gordon |
| Issue-year clue | 1986 through the transition year; some 2021 issues | Introduced during 2021; continued afterward |
| Obverse | Saint-Gaudens Liberty design; 2021 includes refreshed details | Saint-Gaudens Liberty design; 2021 includes refreshed details |
| Gold specification | American Eagle sizes and 22-karat alloy standard | American Eagle sizes and 22-karat alloy standard |
Interactive tool
Check an issue year against the design transition
Choose a year from 1986 through 2026. If you choose 2021, select the reverse design or leave it unknown to see why the date is insufficient.
The modern American Eagle Gold program began in 1986.
Reference resultBoth reverse designs were issued in 2021. The year alone cannot distinguish them; use the reverse design or a specific Mint issue record.A visual clue is not a full examination of a specific coin.
Official transition2021The U.S. Mint introduced the new reverse during the program year.
Design-period lookup only. For 2021, use the reverse-design choice; issue year alone is insufficient.
Calculation method
How the result is calculated
The lookup applies U.S. Mint program history: Type 1 for years before 2021, Type 2 after 2021, and a two-design transition during 2021. The 2021 result requires the reverse-design selection.
This is a design-period reference only. It does not establish the origin, grade, condition, or market price of an individual coin. Use the linked U.S. Mint issue records and qualified examination for a specific piece.
Evidence and references
Specification sources
Primary references where available
Information only, not investment advice. Theoretical metal value is not a dealer offer, retail price, jewelry appraisal, assay, or guaranteed sale price.