---
title: "History Behind the American Eagle Gold Coin’s Design"
site: "Monex Precious Metals"
domain: "https://www.monex.com/"
type: "Knowledge Base Post"
description: "Explore the history behind the American Eagle Gold Coin’s design, inspired by the iconic Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and U.S. coinage traditions."
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last_updated: "July 14, 2025"
canonical_url: "https://www.monex.com/knowledge/history-behind-american-eagle-gold-coin-design/"
markdown_url: "https://www.monex.com/knowledge/history-behind-american-eagle-gold-coin-design.md"
---

# Historical Context Behind the American Eagle Gold Coin’s Design

When the U.S. Mint introduced its gold bullion coinage in 1986, it honored this legacy by reusing the iconic obverse design of Lady Liberty with flowing hair by world-renowned sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, complemented by a new reverse eagle engraving created by Miley Busiek Frost. The decision to revive this beloved design underscores the continuity between the stunning Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and the retro 1986-released American Gold Eagle, linking the storied past of U.S. gold coinage with its modern resurgence.

### The Famed Eagle Artwork of Miley Busiek – An Undeniable Design Element

In 1782, the Continental Congress adopted the North American Bald Eagle as the emblem of the United States, symbolizing strength and freedom. This powerful symbol was further enshrined in American history when the Coinage Act of 1792 declared the new nation’s largest coin an “Eagle.” Since then, Gold Eagles have been recognized as America’s premier coin.

When the time came to select the reverse image for the newly designed Saint-Gaudens Lady Liberty bullion coins, it was clear that the bald eagle was the most fitting choice. The early 1980s were marked by the striking, influential presence of Ronald Regan, whose inspirational acceptance speech, “Together A New Beginning,” resonated deeply across the country. This very speech inspired sculptor Miley Busiek to name her sculpture depicting a male eagle soaring above a nest with a female eagle and her hatchlings, after the speech.

Busiek’s sculpture caught the attention of the Republican party and became a symbol of the patriotic themes that characterized Reagan’s presidency. In fact, the sculpture was given as a gift to the returning Iran embassy hostages to honor their strength and perseverance. Given its profound significance, this artwork was a natural choice for the reverse design of the new [American Eagle Gold Coins](https://www.monex.com/american-eagle-gold-coins-for-sale/), authorized in 1985 and first issued in 1986. The title “New Beginning” perfectly captured the spirit of renewed American gold coinage.

### Why did the U.S. strike the American Eagle gold bullion coin in 91.67% gold?

In the early 80s, the dominant gold bullion coin was the [Krugerrand](/gold-south-african-krugerrands-for-sale/). In fact, investors referred to one ounce bullion coins generically as “krugerrands.” In 1967, South Africa modeled the purity design of its bullion coin after the world-renowned U.S. Double Eagles and British Sovereigns, having 22k 91.67%, and the US followed suit in that adherence to tradition. It was thought that gold was too soft to be issued as coinage without a hardening alloy to deter wear and scratches. Simply put, the world was not accustomed to coinage with the high purity of large 24k 99.9% bullion ingots. It was not until the Royal Canadian Mint promoted its 999 fine bullion coin, the [Canadian Maple Leaf](/canadian-maple-leaf-gold-coins-for-sale/), that the world became accustomed to pure gold coinage.

### Do 22k Gold Eagles Have As Much Gold As Pure 24k Coins?

The [American Gold Eagle coin](/american-eagle-gold-coins-for-sale/) is 91.67% gold. It has precisely the same one troy ounce of pure gold as 24k gold coins, making each coin heavier in weight. The additional metals in Gold Eagles are silver and copper, where 3% of the coin is silver. With regard to specifications, 1 oz American Gold Eagle coins have a face value of $50, a diameter of 32.7 mm, and a content of precisely one troy ounce of pure gold, which weighs 1.0909 oz troy, equal to 33.931 grams.

Because of the hardening alloy used in the Gold American Eagle, it has a better endurance feature, making Gold Eagle coins more suitable as a medium of exchange. To discuss the ins and outs of gold coinage as compared to bullion bars, contact your Monex Account Representative.