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Gold coins have been regarded as prized possessions that are ascribed a high value since they were first created in centuries past. Gold has been used as a means of currency for many centuries, but its origins as a trading commodity can be traced back to ancient Sumer. The original gold tender was traded in ingots, rather than coins and was used in temples and amongst the powerful rulers of the time.
It was not available for use by the general public of the time. The very first gold coins were struck during the 6th century in what is known today as Western Turkey. They were a mix of various alloys, including gold, silver and electrum and bore stamp marks, usually a regal animal like a lion or powerful bull on one side and a seal on the other side.
The popularity of the minted coin soon spread and the Roman Empire took to minting coins with the emperors head depicted on their gold aureus coins. These were paid to Roman soldiers and were mostly used by traders, administrators, rulers and affluent landowners of the time.
The ever- growing popularity of minted gold finally led to the creation of the gold premium finally being set in 1717 by none other than Sir Isaac Newton who was the appointed Master of the Mint. Over the next century more than three million guineas were produced at the mint each year.
Now seen as an investment, gold eagle coins are minted in the United States and are snapped up by avid investors and collectors the world over. The 1 oz gold eagle coins are beautifully crafted, blending science and art to create a thing of beauty. Lady liberty herself is depicted on the obverse side in tribute of August St. Gaudens creation in the 20th century.
The reverse side of the gold coin is a stunning depiction of a magnificent eagle, swooping in to land in the nest bearing an olive branch, where its mate awaits it. Over thirteen million of these beautiful coins have been created since they were first introduced to the public in 1986.
The quality of the gold used in creating these coins is quite high, measured at 22 karats or alternatively . 916 fine. The coins minted from 1986 up until 1991 were marked with Roman numerals to depict their date of production, but after 1991 Arabic numerals have been used to define the dates on the coins. The coins remain legal tender and have an estimated face value of $50.