While we continue to round out the Evolution of a Denomination blog series, we are focusing our attention on a few more categories while doubling back to a few. These next few will deal with not one, but multiple denominations as fractional pieces are a big part of what makes them not just popular, but more collector friendly with those who work on a budget.
American Gold Eagles (1986-Current)
The authorization of the Gold Bullion Act of 1985 was the beginning of the United States Mint’s issuance of the American Gold Eagle series. Not only did it authorize the minting of 1oz gold bullion coins, but it also allowed for the production of half-ounce, quarter-ounce, and tenth-ounce bullion coins. Beginning in 1986, the law would require the gold to come from American sources and a minimum fineness of .9167, or 22 karat.
Much like the American Silver Eagle series, the Gold Eagle designs would look to the past for inspiration. The obverse showcases an altered version of the $20 gold piece that was designed by Augustus Saint Gaudens. The reverse, designed by Miley Busiek, featured a family of eagles. In 2021, the obverse would see a slight modification with the reverse getting a complete design overhaul in honor of the program’s 35th anniversary. Halfway through the year, the reverse changed to what is known as the Type 2 with a design that features an up-close portrait of an eagle.
In 2006, the hobby was introduced to the Burnished Gold American Eagle from West Point. They were initially offered as bullion coins from 2006-2008 through authorized dealers until they were switched to collector edition coins directly offered to consumers. The one-tenth, quarter-ounce, and half-ounce gold options were available in the Burnished finish just until 2008. They were offered in the one-ounce, $50 denomination option only in 2011-current year.
Proof Gold American Eagles were introduced in 1986 in the form of the one-ounce option only. In 1987, the $50 and $25 Gold Eagles were offered, and in 1988, all four fractional denominations were available in the Proof finish. The United States Mint currently still releases all four denominations ($5, $10, $25, $50) to collectors.
American Gold Buffalos (2006-Current)
The very first .9999 fine pure gold coins struck by the United States Mint came in the form of the American Gold Buffalo coin in 2006. Weighing one-ounce with a $50 denomination, the 24kt gold coins were struck at West Point and sold like bullion strikes. They did the same in 2007, only minting the one-ounce coin. However, 2008 would see the production of both Proof and Uncirculated Gold Buffalos alongside the bullion strikes in the half-ounce, quarter-ounce, and tenth-ounce denominations in addition to the one-ounce. They were available individually and in sets. Only the one-ounce option would remain being produced after 2008 both in bullion and Proof strikes.
Source: NGC Coin; The Official 2026 Red Book
