How To Buy a Gold American Eagle Coin

Here's an interesting fact taken from the U.S. Mint's website: all the gold mined in the world would only amount to a cube whose sides measure 20 yards!  A one-ounce gold American Eagle coin is precious, indeed.

All gold American Eagle coins are 22 karat gold; a small amount of other metal is added to make the coin less malleable.  You can be sure that the gold was mined in the United States.

You have 4 size options when buying gold American Eagle coins - 1/10 ounce, 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce and 1 ounce.  The smaller sizes cost less, of course.  But there are also two general kinds of gold American Eagle coin -- proof and bullion. 

American Eagle gold bullion coins are readily available for purchase.  These coins are sound investments treasured for their guaranteed quality and content of gold, not to mention their aesthetic appearance.  American eagle gold coins are recognized by dealers and markets around the world.  They can be bought, sold and traded with ease, and can also be added to your IRA or 401-k, where they are untaxable.

1. The U.S. Mint's online tool for locating national and local American Eagle Gold Coin retailers is a great place to start.  Simply enter your state to find local dealers and national ones as well.

2. If you aren't satisfied by that number of results, check eBay.  If you search for American Eagle gold bullion, you'll find many coins for various prices.
3. A phone book will also be useful.  Simply look up "gold" or "coins."
4. Go to Google and search for "American Eagle gold coin." Your search will turn up many results, some of which include Goldeneaglecoin.com, Chipmancoins.com and Blanchard.

American Eagle gold proof coins are the collectible counterparts to the gold American Eagle bullion coins.  Their sizes are the same, as is the guaranteed quality and quantity of gold.  You can also purchase them in sets or two and four coins.  Due to differences in the process of making the coin, these proof coins look a little different than bullion American Eagle gold coins.  Because of added dyes and the fact that the proof coins are struck more when they're made, their background appearance is more reflective, or 'mirrored,' while their foreground image has a brushed, frosty look.  This renders contrast between background and foreground image more pronounced. 

1. Check eBay for American Eagle gold proof coins auctioned and sold as sets.  Proof coins tend to sell out rapidly and the 2006 set was no exception; the U.S. Mint is currently sold out.  Buying them will be more difficult, but you can visit eBay to find a flurry of sets available on auction or just for sale.  You might end up paying a pretty penny for them in an auction.

2. Do a Google search for "American eagle gold proof coins."  Many of the sites that appear to sell the proof sets will be sold out of 2006, but you can peruse their older offerings to see what is available from past years.  The coins have been minted since 1986.

Checking several different dealers or sites will ensure that you aren't being charged an exorbitant amount.  It's always a good idea to cross-check prices when you're shopping on eBay, anyway - some sellers are unscrupulous!