Gold Eagle Dimensions: Weight, Diameter and Thickness by Size
The American Gold Eagle comes in four sizes — 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz — and each has its own weight, diameter, and thickness, since the coin is made from a 91.67% gold alloy rather than pure gold. That alloy is also why the coin's actual weight is higher than its stated gold content: a "1 oz" Gold Eagle weighs more than one troy ounce overall, because silver and copper are added for durability. This guide lays out the exact specs for all four sizes in one place.
Below is the full spec table sourced from the U.S. Mint, along with what each size is best suited for and how to tell the sizes apart at a glance. If you're ready to buy, our American Gold Eagle Coins are priced off live spot.
Why the Gold Eagle Isn't Pure Gold
Unlike some sovereign coins that use .9999 fine gold, the American Gold Eagle is 91.67% gold (22 karat), with the remainder made up of silver and copper. According to the U.S. Mint, that alloy makes the coin more resistant to scratches and wear than a pure gold coin would be — a practical choice given how often these coins get handled, shipped, and stored. The trade-off is that a Gold Eagle's total weight is higher than its stated size, since the coin contains a full troy ounce (or fraction) of pure gold plus the added alloy metals. A "1 oz" coin actually weighs about 1.0909 troy ounces gross.
Full Specifications by Size
| Size | Face Value | Diameter | Approx. Thickness | Gross Weight | Pure Gold Content |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 oz | $50 | 32.70 mm | 2.87 mm | 1.0909 troy oz (33.931 g) | 1.000 troy oz |
| 1/2 oz | $25 | 27.00 mm | 2.24 mm | 0.5455 troy oz (16.966 g) | 0.500 troy oz |
| 1/4 oz | $10 | 22.00 mm | 1.83 mm | 0.2727 troy oz (8.483 g) | 0.250 troy oz |
| 1/10 oz | $5 | 16.50 mm | 1.19 mm | 0.1091 troy oz (3.393 g) | 0.100 troy oz |
These figures come from the U.S. Mint's published specifications. Every size shares the same 91.67% gold composition and reeded edge; only the physical dimensions and face value scale down with the gold content.
Design History Across Sizes
All four sizes have shared the same basic design since 1986, though the reverse changed in 2021 for the program's 35th anniversary. According to the U.S. Mint, the obverse remains Augustus Saint-Gaudens' full-length figure of Lady Liberty, adapted from his 1907 $20 Double Eagle gold piece. The original reverse, used from 1986 through 2021, showed a nest of eagles. Coins struck since 2021 show a single eagle in flight instead. The design change applies identically across all four sizes — a 1/10 oz coin from 2020 and a 1/10 oz coin from 2022 share the same specs but different reverse artwork.
How to Tell the Sizes Apart at a Glance
Face value is the fastest way to identify a Gold Eagle's size without a scale: $50 means 1 oz, $25 means 1/2 oz, $10 means 1/4 oz, and $5 means 1/10 oz. Diameter is the next-easiest check — the coins range from 32.70 mm down to 16.50 mm, a noticeable difference side by side even without measuring. Our 1 oz Gold Eagle Type 1 Coin and 1/2 Oz American Gold Eagle Coin show that size difference directly if you want to compare them on a product page.
How Gold Eagle Premiums Compare Across Sizes
Smaller sizes carry a higher premium over spot per ounce, the same pattern that holds across most bullion products. A 1/10 oz coin costs more per ounce of actual gold than a 1 oz coin does, since the cost of striking, packaging, and distributing a coin doesn't scale down as fast as its gold content does. If you're buying for the lowest possible cost per ounce, the 1 oz size is generally the most efficient. If you want flexibility to gift or sell smaller amounts individually, the fractional sizes trade some efficiency for that flexibility. For comparison, our Gold American Buffalo Coins are struck in .9999 fine gold rather than the Eagle's 22-karat alloy, which is a different kind of trade-off worth knowing about if fineness matters more to you than durability.
Best Use Case by Size
The 1 oz size suits buyers prioritizing the lowest premium per ounce and straightforward storage. The 1/2 oz and 1/4 oz sizes fit a middle ground — smaller dollar commitment per coin, still easy to resell individually. The 1/10 oz size suits gifting, smaller budgets, or buyers who want the most flexibility to sell off gold in small increments, accepting a higher premium per ounce as the cost of that flexibility. There's no wrong size; it depends on what you're optimizing for.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a 1 oz Gold Eagle weigh more than 1 troy ounce?
Because the coin is 91.67% gold rather than pure gold. The remaining weight comes from silver and copper added for durability. The coin still contains exactly one troy ounce of actual gold; its total gross weight of 1.0909 troy ounces reflects the added alloy metals.
What's the diameter of a 1 oz Gold Eagle?
The 1 oz American Gold Eagle is 32.70 mm in diameter, according to U.S. Mint specifications. The 1/2 oz version is 27.00 mm, the 1/4 oz is 22.00 mm, and the 1/10 oz is 16.50 mm.
Do all four Gold Eagle sizes have the same design?
Yes, all four sizes share the same obverse and reverse designs, including the 2021 reverse redesign that applies across the entire size range. Only the dimensions, weight, and face value change between sizes; the artwork stays consistent.
Which Gold Eagle size has the lowest premium over spot?
The 1 oz size typically carries the lowest premium per ounce, since striking and distribution costs are spread over more gold. Smaller fractional sizes cost more per ounce of actual gold content, reflecting the fixed costs of producing a smaller coin.
Is the Gold Eagle pure 24-karat gold?
No. The American Gold Eagle is 22-karat gold (91.67% pure), with silver and copper added for durability. Coins like the American Gold Buffalo are struck in 24-karat, .9999 fine gold instead, if pure gold content matters more to you than wear resistance.
Where to go from here
If you're ready to compare sizes directly, our 1/10 Oz Gold Coins category shows the smallest size alongside other fractional options. And if you're weighing gold coins as part of a bigger plan, our guide on how to invest in gold covers the broader picture, and our look at how to sell gold and silver coins for the best price is worth a read before you decide how much to buy.
This article is for general information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Precious metals prices fluctuate and past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult a licensed financial or tax professional about your own situation.