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Gold coins have been used as a type of currency since the very earliest times in civilization. But these days, they are thought of as a kind of investment. Bullion gold coins are particularly well known for investment reasons. The price of gold coins tends to rise and fall from day to day, depending on the price of gold. All countries have their own official bullion gold coin. The 'American Eagle' gold coins are the official ones of the United States of America.

One type of popular U.S.-minted gold bullion coins are American Eagles. These coins contain gold that's required to be mined from sources within the United Sates. American Gold Eagle coins were first offered in 1986 when gold from South Africa was outlawed in protest of racial inequality, and their popularity skyrocketed to meet increased demanded for precious gold.

You can buy American Eagle coins that one ounce, half an ounce, a quarter of an ounce, or a tenth of an ounce denominations. All of these coins are 91.67% pure, or 22 carats. The denomination signifies the amount of gold in the coin; other materials add more weight. American Eagles contain a copper and silver alloy that produces a light yellow tone, unlike South African Kruggerands which are orange because of their copper content.

On one side of the coin is a depiction of Lady Liberty holding her torch. On the other side is an image of a male eagle flying above a female eagle and their offspring. The male eagle symbolizes the United States' great power and resolve to defend itself and its people, but in the male eagle's grasp we also see an olive branch, symbolizing America's quest for peace while maintaining its strength. The design of the various denominations is the same, aside from the listed gold content.

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!