Description
The American one tenth ounce Eagle was first produced in 1986 by the US Mint. It is 22 carat, but contains one tenth of an ounce of pure gold. The obverse depicts the iconic Saint-GaudenÕs figure of Liberty, who holds a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The design was taken from the American $20 St Gauden gold coin which was issued until the 1930Õs.
On the reverse from 1986 -2021 was a design by the sculptor, Miley Busiek, featuring a male eagle soaring above a nest containing its female and young. She described her design as Ò a symbolic tribute to the American family, senior citizens and young people.ÓFrom 1986-91 the coins are dated with Roman numerals. From 1992 onwards the date is shown in Arabic numerals.
From 2021 onwards a new reverse design has been used, designed by Jennie Norris, which depicts a side portrait of a bald eagle. She describes her inspiration for the design ÒThe American eagle is such a noble bird. I was hoping to capture the intensity of his stare through the close cropping. His gaze speaks of pride and wisdom passed through generations of time.Ó
The American gold eagle is also made in one ounce, half ounce and quarter ounce.
