Published 2 June 2026
The Gold Eagle in plain terms
The American Gold Eagle is the official gold bullion coin of the United States, struck by the US Mint since 1986. The 1oz coin contains a full troy ounce of fine gold (31.103 grams) but it is not a 24 carat coin. It is 22 carat. The remaining mass is silver and copper, historically 5.33 per cent copper and 3 per cent silver, which gives the coin a slightly redder tone than a Maple Leaf and a much harder surface.
A 1oz Gold Eagle therefore weighs 33.93 grams in total weight even though only 31.103 grams of that is fine gold. This is the same pattern as the Krugerrand. The obverse shows Lady Liberty (after Augustus Saint-Gaudens) with a flowing torch. The reverse showed a male and female eagle with eaglets until 2021, then changed to a head-on portrait of a bald eagle for the Type 2 design.
Why the 22 carat alloy matters in practice
A 22 carat Gold Eagle wears noticeably better than a 24 carat Maple Leaf. The same drop onto a desk leaves a smaller mark. The same drawer-to-drawer shuffle creates fewer rim dings. This is part of why some long-term holders prefer Eagles. The flip side is that the coin contains less gold per total gram on the scale, so the kitchen weight does not match the marketed ounce. That confuses some sellers. The marketed ounce is the gold content, not the total weight.
How an offer on an Eagle is built
Each Eagle is XRF-tested on arrival. The reading confirms the gold content and the silver-copper mix is consistent with a genuine US Mint piece. The scale confirms the total weight. Final offers depend on inspection, item weight, purity, hallmarks, stones, non-gold components, condition and the live precious-metal market. Bullion Eagles trade close to spot. Proof Eagles in their original US Mint presentation case with certificate carry a numismatic premium.
Posting Eagles to the UK testing room
- Photograph each coin and any presentation box and send to 07763 741067.
- Wait for the shape-of-offer reply and prepaid Royal Mail Special Delivery label.
- If your coins are tubed, leave them tubed. Tubes were made for travel.
- For loose coins use individual flips inside a padded jiffy bag.
- Add a rigid outer envelope so nothing slides or bends.
- Drop off at a Post Office counter, keep the receipt, and send the tracking on WhatsApp.
Tax status, the factual position
Gold Eagles are foreign coins for UK tax purposes. They do not share the UK legal tender CGT exemption that Britannias and post-1837 sovereigns enjoy. If you are unsure how that affects your sale, ask your accountant. This section is the published rule, not personal advice.
Insurance, decline and payment
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. A single 1oz Eagle fits well under that cap on most days. Larger parcels are split across more than one label. If you decline the written valuation, your coins go back to you by tracked Royal Mail post at our cost within a working day. Accept and Faster Payments leaves the same working day.
Common questions
Do you buy fractional Gold Eagles?
Yes. Half, quarter and tenth ounce Eagles are all welcome.
Is my Type 1 Eagle worth less than a Type 2?
Bullion Eagles trade by gold content regardless of design. Proof issues vary.
How are Eagles tested for authenticity?
XRF, scale, magnet check and visual inspection. The XRF reading confirms both the gold content and the silver-copper alloy ratio.
Are Eagles insured in the post?
Your parcel is insured up to £2,500 via Royal Mail Special Delivery. Larger parcels travel under more than one label.
Are Gold Eagles CGT-exempt in the UK?
No. They are foreign coins. Ask your accountant if that matters to your sale.
When do I get paid?
On the working day you accept the written valuation, by Faster Payments.
Can I sell just one Eagle?
Yes. The minimum is one coin.
Do I need to come to a shop?
No. We are postal-only.