From 1986 to 2021: An American Gold Eagle Legacy
In 1974, Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s ban on gold had been active for over 40 years with no end in sight, causing the American demand for gold to hit an all-time high. 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, recognized the detrimental effects that this gold ban was having on the American people in the modern day and did not hesitate to act. On December 31, 1974, President Ford restored the hopes of the American people by signing Executive Order 11825, which made gold legal once again.
11 years later, President Ronald Reagan doubled down on American gold by signing the Gold Bullion Act of 1985. The goal of this act was simple, to make a statement to the world that America would create a stunning gold coin to rival those of other countries. To this end, the Gold Bullion Act of 1985 required that all American Gold Eagles be minted with newly mined American gold.
Proof examples of the American Gold Eagle debuted in 1986 as $50 coins containing one ounce of gold. In 1987, $25 half ounce Proof American Gold Eagles were put into production as well. By 1988, Proof examples of $5 one tenth ounce and $10 one quarter ounce American Gold Eagles were being minted. From that point on, all four denominations of this stunning coin were issued in proof except in 2009 when Proof AGE’s were not struck at all. Mint State examples, on the other hand, have been struck in all denominations since the series’ inception in 1986.
The obverse the stunning American Gold Eagle features the legendary design of the most beautiful coin ever produced in American numismatics, the Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagle. The reverse of the American Gold Eagle, designed by Miley Busiek, displays a bald eagle bringing an olive branch of peace back to its nest. In 2021, the reverse of the American Gold Eagle was redesigned showcasing Jennie Norris’ talents.
Coming from the Artistic Infusion Program, Jennie Norris displayed her true passion for eagles with the brand new 2021 Type 2 American Gold Eagle reverse. As a volunteer raptor handler, Jennie Norris worked closely with birds of prey, like the bald eagle, rehabilitating birds that have been injured before returning them to the wild. That familiarity with these majestic creatures is what helped her capture such an intense gaze on the new reverse.
With over 35 years of mintage and no sign of stopping, Reagan’s American Gold Eagle has undeniably succeeded in becoming one of the most prolific gold coin series in American history. Rare Collectibles TV features several of the finest quality American Gold Eagles of all denominations.
