Depending on the issue, an American Gold Eagle contains 1.0000 troy oz of pure gold (1 oz ($50), worth $3,996.90), 0.5000 troy oz (1/2 oz ($25), worth $1,998.45), 0.2500 troy oz (1/4 oz ($10), worth $999.22), or 0.1000 troy oz (1/10 oz ($5), worth $399.69) at today's spot price.
The US Mint's gold bullion coin is 22-karat gold, alloyed with silver and copper for durability. Each size contains its stated weight of pure gold.
Melt values use these spot prices (US dollars):
- Gold $3,996.90 per troy oz Current quote · Quote time Oct 23, 10:19 PM EDT
Some prices could not be refreshed recently and may be out of date.
Melt value is the metal content at spot price, not a buy or sell price. Collectible coins can be worth much more. For reference only.
Specifications
| Specification | 1 oz ($50) | 1/2 oz ($25) | 1/4 oz ($10) | 1/10 oz ($5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years | 1986–present | 1986–present | 1986–present | 1986–present |
| Face value | $50 | $25 | $10 | $5 |
| Composition | 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper | 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper | 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper | 91.67% gold, 3% silver, balance copper |
| Gross weight | 33.931 g | 16.966 g | 8.483 g | 3.393 g |
| Fineness | .9167 (91.67%) | .9167 (91.67%) | .9167 (91.67%) | .9167 (91.67%) |
| Pure metal | 1.0000 troy oz (31.103 g) | 0.5000 troy oz (15.552 g) | 0.2500 troy oz (7.776 g) | 0.1000 troy oz (3.11 g) |
| Diameter | 32.7 mm | 27 mm | 22 mm | 16.5 mm |
How the melt value is worked out
Melt value is the pure gold in the coin multiplied by the spot price. We use the coin's standard minted weight; worn coins weigh slightly less.
-
1 oz ($50): 33.931 g × .9167 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 1.0000 troy oz
1.0000 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $3,996.90 -
1/2 oz ($25): 16.966 g × .9167 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.5000 troy oz
0.5000 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $1,998.45 -
1/4 oz ($10): 8.483 g × .9167 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.2500 troy oz
0.2500 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $999.22 -
1/10 oz ($5): 3.393 g × .9167 fine ÷ 31.1035 g per troy oz = 0.1000 troy oz
0.1000 troy oz × $3,996.90 spot = $399.69
How to identify it
- The obverse adapts Saint-Gaudens' striding Liberty from the $20 double eagle. The reverse showed a family of eagles until mid-2021, when a close-up eagle head replaced it.
- Because the coin is 22-karat, a 1 oz Gold Eagle weighs about 33.93 g, more than one troy ounce.
Melt value vs. collector value
Bullion coins usually sell for a premium over melt value. Proof, low-mintage and graded coins can be worth considerably more than their metal.
Related tools
Sources
- US Mint: American Eagle gold proof coins — checked 2026-10-22
- US Mint: 2026 American Eagle one-tenth ounce gold proof coin — checked 2026-10-22