1/4-oz American Gold Eagle (Random Year)

The American Gold Eagle is the most widely traded gold bullion coin in the world, and the quarter-ounce format puts that same standing in a smaller unit. Each coin holds a full quarter troy ounce of pure gold in a 22 karat alloy, with copper and silver added so the surfaces shrug off the small marks that show up quickly on softer fine gold. The U.S. government guarantees the weight and the purity, which is why buy-back desks take them without authentication. Struck as legal tender with a $10 face value, these ship brilliant uncirculated in protective tubes or capsules.

The obverse carries Augustus Saint-Gaudens' Liberty, striding out of a burst of sunrays with a torch raised in one hand and an olive branch extended in the other. The Capitol dome sits low behind her, and the relief is high enough that the folds of her gown catch light as the coin turns. Reverse designs differ depending on the year that arrives. Earlier issues show Miley Busiek's family of eagles, a male returning to a nest above his mate and young. Later issues carry a close portrait of a bald eagle's head by Jennie Norris. Both finish in a reeded edge.

These are random year issues, so the date is our choice. They carry the same weight, purity, and legal tender standing as current year Eagles, but at a lower premium over spot. A quarter ounce also lets a buyer add gold in smaller increments and later raise cash from part of a holding without cashing in a full ounce coin. That flexibility is why most stackers keep fractional Eagles alongside their larger pieces. Recognition does the rest. Any precious metals dealer in the country will quote on these on sight, and spreads stay tight because the market for them never goes quiet. The 22 karat alloy also stores and travels well, so pieces that have been handled over the years still trade cleanly on their gold content.

For up-to-the-minute pricing or to ask about quantity discounts, call us at 800-928-6468.