The United States Mint produces and issues American Eagle Bullion Coins as a method to provide the public with convenient methods for physical precious metals investment. The program began in 1986 with gold and silver, and expanded in 1997 with platinum. Guaranteed for their content and purity by the U.S. government, American Eagles are some of the most popular bullion products in the world.

The American Gold Eagle features the classic design of Liberty from Augustus Saint Gaudens that was used for the gold double eagle issued in the early 20th century. Liberty is pictured with an olive branch and lit torch moving confidently forward. In the background are the rays of the rising sun and the U.S. Capitol building. The bullion coins are struck in 22 karat gold and are produced in four different sizes. The one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce coins provide a range of investment options.

Physical silver investment is made possible through the one ounce American Silver Eagle. These coins also feature a classic design of Liberty. The obverse design was created by Adolph A. Weinman for the Walking Liberty Half Dollar issued from 1916 to 1947. The reverse design features a heraldic eagle and was created exclusively for the series by John Mercanti, the current Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The Silver Eagles have recently experienced extremely high demand, with annual sales for the most recent year above 30 million ounces.

Starting in 1997, another option was added to the program to facilitate investment in platinum. This gray-white metal is scarcer than gold and has come to have important industrial applications. The American Platinum Eagle features newly created obverse and reverse designs. The front of the coin carries a depiction of the Statue of Liberty by John Mercanti. The reverse features a soaring bald eagle by Thomas D. Rogers. The tails side of the collector version of the coin changes annually.

With the prices of precious metals at historical highs, physical investment options provide a way to participate in any further price increases. The United States Mint’s bullion options have proven themselves on world markets as liquid investment vehicles for accomplishing this purpose.