In 1986, the United States began striking gold and silver bullion coins to compete with world bullion coins such as the Canadian Maple Leaf, the South African Krugerrand, and others.  The value of these coins was intended to be tied directly to their metal value, although in some cases (where mintages were low) a collector market has developed.  The bullion value of these coins far outstrips their face value.

Known as "American Eagles" because of the family of eagles on the reverse, U.S. gold bullion coins are available in Uncirculated and Proof versions, as well as in a number of different sets.  Proof coins may be ordered by the general public directly from the Mint.  Uncirculated coins are distributed by selected representatives, who then make them available to the secondary market.

From 1986-1991, the date was shown in Roman numerals; from 1992 on, Arabic numerals are used.

The obverse of the U.S. gold bullion coins follows the artistic design created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the $20 Gold Double Eagles issued from 1907-1933, inclusive.  Miley Busiek created the reverse design.

The metal content of each denomination consists of 22 Karat gold (.9167% pure).

Images courtesy of Global Certification Services

Denominations:
1/10 Ounce Fine Gold - 5 Dollars 
1/4 Ounce Fine Gold - 10 Dollars 
1/2 Ounce Fine Gold - 25 Dollars 
1 Ounce Fine Gold - 50 Dollars 
Gold Coin Sets