In 1985, the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 authorized the United States Mint to produce the American Gold Eagle, the nation’s official gold bullion coin. The Act required that the coins be struck using gold sourced from newly mined deposits in the United States. The U.S. Mint struck the first American Gold Eagles in 1986 across four denominations, including the $5 1/10 oz — the most accessible entry point into the series for new collectors and investors alike.
About the 1/10 oz Gold Eagle
The 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle carries a $5 face value and weighs 3.39 grams. It is struck in durable 22-karat gold, composed of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper—the same crown gold alloy used across all four American Gold Eagle denominations. The coin measures 16.5mm in diameter with a reeded edge. Despite being the smallest in the series, it contains a guaranteed one-tenth troy ounce of pure gold, backed by the U.S. government for weight, content, and purity.
The obverse features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic Lady Liberty, adapted from his celebrated $20 Double Eagle design of 1907, while the original reverse by Miley Busiek depicted a family of eagles in flight. In 2021, the reverse was redesigned by Jennie Norris of the U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program, introducing a new Eagle Portrait that distinguishes Type 2 coins from their Type 1 predecessors. For a full year-by-year production breakdown, see our Gold Eagle mintage charts.
Bullion, Proof, and Burnished: Which 1/10 oz Gold Eagle Is Right for You?
The 1/10 oz Gold Eagle is available in three finishes. Bullion strikes are produced for investment, priced close to spot, and are the most straightforward way to own gold in this denomination. Proof Gold Eagles are struck multiple times on polished dies, producing a frosted design against mirror-like fields. They come in official U.S. Mint presentation packaging with a certificate of authenticity and carry a collector’s premium. Burnished Gold Eagles offer a satin finish exclusive to the West Point Mint, with limited annual mintages that appeal to collectors who want something distinct from both bullion and Proof. For those who want to own the entire series at once, our American Gold Eagle Sets include all four denominations in a single purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1/10 oz. Gold Eagles
How much gold is in a 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle?
Each 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle contains exactly one-tenth of a troy ounce of pure gold, equal to 3.11 grams of gold content. The coin’s total gross weight is 3.39 grams because it is struck in durable 22-karat gold, composed of 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. This alloy enhances the coin’s durability while maintaining its guaranteed gold weight. For comparison, the 1/4 oz, 1/2 oz, and 1 oz American Gold Eagles contain larger amounts of gold and typically carry higher purchase prices.
Is the 1/10 oz Gold Eagle a good investment for beginners?
Yes. The 1/10 oz American Gold Eagle is the smallest and most affordable denomination in the series, making it one of the most accessible ways for beginners to start owning physical gold. Like all American Gold Eagles, it contains a guaranteed one-tenth troy ounce of pure gold and is highly recognized and widely traded by precious metals dealers worldwide. The tradeoff is that smaller fractional gold coins typically carry a higher premium per ounce compared to larger denominations. Buyers focused primarily on maximizing the amount of gold purchased for their dollar may prefer the lower per-ounce premiums often associated with the 1 oz Gold Eagle.
Is the 1/10 oz Gold Eagle IRA-eligible?
Yes. All American Gold Eagle denominations, including the 1/10 oz, are approved for inclusion in a self-directed precious metals IRA under IRS regulations. They must be stored with an approved custodian, but their government-backed status and gold content make them one of the most widely accepted gold coins for retirement accounts. Browse our full American Gold Eagle selection to compare all four denomination options for IRA purposes.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Gold Eagles?
Type 1 American Gold Eagles were produced from 1986 through 2021 and feature Miley Busiek Frost’s original “Family of Eagles” reverse design, depicting a male eagle carrying an olive branch returning to a nest with a female eagle and hatchlings. Type 2 Gold Eagles, introduced in 2021, feature a redesigned reverse by Jennie Norris through the U.S. Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, showcasing a detailed portrait of a bald eagle. Both types share the iconic Saint-Gaudens-inspired Lady Liberty obverse and contain the same gold specifications, including the guaranteed gold weight and 22-karat composition. The 2021 Type 1 Gold Eagles are especially popular with collectors as the final issues featuring the original reverse design before the transition to Type 2. For a complete mintage breakdown by year and type, see our Gold Eagle mintage charts.
