1/2 oz American Gold Eagle Coins
The 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle is a gold bullion coin produced by the United States Mint. It was first introduced in 1986 as part of the American Gold Eagle series, which also includes the standard 1 oz Gold Eagle, as well as 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz denominations.
The coin is made of 22-karat gold, which means it is composed of 91.67% gold and balanced copper with a reeded edge. It has a diameter of 27mm and a thickness of 2.24mm. The obverse side of the coin features the image of Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch, while the reverse side depicts a close-up image of an American Bald Eagle.
The American Gold Eagle series is considered one of the most popular and trusted gold bullion coins in the world, and it is widely traded by investors and collectors alike. The coins are produced in limited quantities each year, which helps maintain their value over time. The 1/2 oz denomination is a popular choice for investors who want to buy gold in smaller, more affordable increments compared to the larger 1 oz coin.
Design Differences: Type 1 vs Type 2 American Gold Eagles
The obverse design of the 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle coin features a depiction of Lady Liberty holding a torch and an olive branch. The design is based on the famous "Walking Liberty" design created by sculptor Adolph A. Weinman, which was originally used on the United States half-dollar coin from 1916 to 1947.
The image of Lady Liberty on the American Gold Eagle is a powerful symbol of freedom and democracy, and it has become an iconic image in American numismatics. In the design, Lady Liberty is depicted walking confidently toward the future, with the rays of the sun behind her and the American flag waving in the background.
The original, Type 1 reverse design, utilized from 1986 to 2021, of the 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle features a family of eagles, with a male eagle carrying an olive branch in its talons and a female eagle and eaglets in a nest. The design was created by sculptor Miley Busiek, and it symbolizes the strength, beauty, and resilience of the American family.
In 2021, the United States Mint introduced a new reverse, Type 2 design for the American Gold Eagle series, including the 1/2 oz denomination. The new design features a bold close-up depiction of the head of American Bald Eagle, symbolizing the strength and resilience of American ideals.
This design change was part of a larger effort by the United States Mint to refresh the design of the American Gold Eagle series, which had featured the same design since its introduction in 1986. The new design was created by artist Jennie Norris and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon.
It's worth noting that the obverse design of the 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle (which features the image of Lady Liberty) did not change in 2021. The obverse design has remained the same since the coin's introduction in 1986, and it is based on the classic design by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens that was used on the $20 Double Eagle gold coin from 1907 to 1933.
Overall, the design of the 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle is both beautiful and meaningful, and it has helped make the coin one of the most popular and sought-after gold bullion coins in the world.
Gold Eagle Price
You may find yourself wondering, "How much is a gold coin worth?" The price of a Gold Eagle depends on the spot price of gold at the time of purchase. The 1/2 oz gold coin price will be one half of the spot price of gold, in addition to a premium. Supply and demand, along with market fluctuations, will contribute to the American Gold Eagle price.
1/2 oz Gold Eagle Mintage Figures
American Gold Eagle bullion coins are struck according to public demand. This demand determines the mintages of ½ oz Gold Eagles for each year. The following are mintages for 1/2 oz Gold Eagles:
- 1986 - 599,566
- 1987 - 131,255
- 1988 - 45,000
- 1989 - 44,829
- 1990 - 31,000
- 1991 - 24,100
- 1992 - 54,404
- 1993 - 73,324
- 1994 - 62,400
- 1995 - 53,474
- 1996 - 39,287
- 1997 - 79,605
- 1998 - 169,029
- 1999 - 263,013
- 2000 - 79,287
- 2001 - 48,047
- 2002 - 70,027
- 2003 - 79,029
- 2004 - 98.040
- 2005 - 80,023
- 2006 - 66,005
- 2007 - 47,002
- 2008 - 61,000
- 2009 - 110,000
- 2010 - 81,000
- 2011 - 70,000
- 2012 - 43,000
- 2013 - 57,000
- 2014 - 35,000
- 2015 - 75,000
- 2016 - 74,000
- 2017 - 37,000
- 2018 - 32,000
- 2019 - 30,000
- 2020 – 70,000
- 2021 Type 1 – 31,000
- 2021 Type 2 – 65,000
- 2022 – 75,000
Why Buy Physical Gold and Silver from APMEX?
When you buy Precious Metals, you are investing in assets that provide stability against volatile markets. Bullion can play an essential role in a modern portfolio, as it hedges against the uncertainty investors typically find with other common investments, such as stocks and bonds.
There are several benefits to buying physical gold with 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle coins:
- Gold is a tangible asset: Physical gold is a tangible asset that can be held in your hand and stored securely. Unlike other investments that exist only as electronic records or pieces of paper, gold has a physical presence that can provide a sense of security.
- Gold is a store of value: Gold has been used as a store of value for thousands of years, and it has maintained its purchasing power over time. This makes it an excellent hedge against inflation and currency devaluation.
- Gold is globally recognized: Gold is a globally recognized asset that can be easily bought and sold in markets around the world. This makes it a highly liquid investment that can be easily converted into cash when needed.
- American Gold Eagles are highly trusted: The American Gold Eagle series is one of the most trusted and recognized gold bullion coins in the world. The coins are produced by the United States Mint, which is a government entity with a long history of producing high-quality coins.
- Diversification: Adding physical gold, such as 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle coins, to your investment portfolio can help diversify your assets and reduce overall risk. Gold tends to perform differently than other asset classes, such as stocks and bonds, which can help provide a hedge against market volatility.
- Gold is never going to zero: While some assets, like stocks, bonds, and crypto, carry the real risk of losing one hundred percent of their value, gold will always be worth something. This makes it a very safe asset to put your money into.
- Fractional gold gives greater control over liquidity: at some point you may decide to trade in gold for cash to make a purchase. Whatever your reason for doing so, fractional gold provides greater control over how much you liquidate at one time.
Overall, investing in physical gold with 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle coins can provide a number of benefits, including tangibility, value preservation, global recognition, trustworthiness, and diversification. However, as with any investment, it is important to do your own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any decisions.
1/2 oz Gold American Eagles: BU, Burnished, and Graded Options
For investors and collectors searching for different options, there are plenty of options for the 1/2 Gold American Eagle available to fit any portfolio or collection.
One popular option is a BU, or Brilliant Uncirculated, Gold Eagle. BU coins are coins that are in new condition and have never been circulated. They have a shiny, lustrous appearance and no signs of wear or damage. 1/2 oz American Gold Eagle BU coins are a popular choice for investors and collectors who want to own a high-quality, pristine coin.
There are also burnished coins, which are coins specially treated to give them a unique finish that gives them a matte appearance. The coins are struck multiple times with a specially polished die to create a shiny, mirror-like surface on the raised areas of the design, while the background has a frosted, matte finish. Burnished 1/2 oz Gold American Eagle coins typically have a higher premium than standard bullion coins because of the extra care and attention that goes into their production.
One of the most popular options for investments and collections are graded coins, certified by trusted and reliable companies. Graded coins are coins that have been professionally graded and authenticated by a third-party grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). Graded coins are assigned a grade based on their condition and appearance, which can range from Poor (P-1) to Perfect (MS-70). Graded 1/2 oz Gold American Eagle coins typically have a higher value than non-graded coins, as they are considered to be of a higher quality and rarity.
No matter what option of 1/2 oz Gold American Eagle someone chooses, the value of a specific coin varies depending on its condition, rarity, and other factors, so it's important to do your research and consult with a trusted dealer or grading service before buying or selling any coins.
Buy 1/2 oz Gold Eagles at APMEX
If you need assistance purchasing the Gold American Eagle or experience any issues placing an order for a 1/2 oz Gold Eagle coin on APMEX.com, we are eager to assist you. Our team of highly trained customer service associates can answer any questions on 1/2 oz American Gold coins, and they can be reached during normal business hours.
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