One Ounce of Gold
Many countries now issue a one ounce bullion coin, to be sold at a very low premium over the intrinsic gold value. The American version is the Eagle.

Krugerrands versus Eagles
Because krugerrands were the first one ounce gold bullion coins to be issued, it is worth comparing gold eagles with krugers.
Krugerrands were first issued in 1967, as one ounce bullion coins. From 1980, they were also produced in fractional sizes of half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce. Eagles were introduced in 1986, in all four weights except the quarter ounce which was not introduced until 1987.
On the earlier bullion eagles, from 1986 to 1991, the date is shown in Roman numerals, from 1992 it is in Arabic numerals.
We have pictures of the two different types on our Latin Dates on Eagles page.
While krugerrands must be one of the least attractive coins issued, eagles must rank amongst the most beautiful!

Date Conversion
Because not everyone can convert Roman numerals and dates to normal Arabic ones, here is a conversion table:-

Roman	Arabic
MCMLXXXVI	1986
MCMLXXXVII	1987
MCMLXXXVIII	1888
MCMLXXXIX	1989
MCMXC	1990
MCMXCI	1991

The Eagle Family
Gold Eagles are available in four different sizes and weights, from one ounce to one tenth of an ounce, as detailed below.

Eagle - A New Version of a Traditional Design
Eagles were originally $10 gold coins, double eagles were $20, while half eagles and quarter eagles were $5 and $2¹₂ respectively.
When the USA introduced a series of gold bullion coins, it was natural to continue the eagle tradition.
All sizes feature a magnificent portrait of Liberty standing.
The reverse shows an eagle landing in its nest.

Low Premium Over Gold Content
As with most one ounce gold bullion coins, they are made available to world bullion dealers at a 3% premium over the current gold fix, so that after distribution costs, the coins would be available to investors in quantity at about 4% to 5% over intrinsic gold values, and possibly 10% premium for single pieces.

Higher Premium on Smaller Sizes
The fractional sizes were issued at higher premiums to bullion dealers of 5%, 7%, and 9% respectively. The fractional coins have never been as popular as the full one ounce coins, usually only being purchased as singles, so that in practice, it would usually cost 10% to 15% premium for the half and quarter ounce, and from 20% to 50% premium for the tenth ounce, most of which seem to have been used in jewellery. Most bullion houses do not want the bother of handling small quantities of low value coins.

VAT Free From January 2000
In Britain investment gold coins became VAT free.

Continuous Service from Chard
Chard have maintained a dealing service for both collectors and investors in bullion and numismatic coins since 1964.

Technical Specifications
The following table summarises the specifications of all the sizes.

Size	Face Value	Diameter	Weight	Fine	Gold Content	Gold Content
	US $	mm.	Grams	/1.000	Grams	Troy Ounces
One Ounce	50	32.7	33.9310	.9167	31.104	1.0000
Half	25	27.0	16.9660	.9167	15.552	0.5000
Quarter	10	22.0	8.4830	.9167	7.776	0.2500
Tenth	5	16.5	3.3930	.9167	3.110	0.1000

Table Notes
The ¹/₁₂th of the alloy, or 8.33%, which is not gold, is 5.33% copper and 3% silver. Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
US $ = US Dollars
mm. = millimetres.
Fine = Millesimal fineness.
Qtr = Quarter.

EU Penalty Import Tax
Because of EU reprisals against selective US import duties on steel and other goods, there was, during much of 2004, a surcharge of up to 17% on the import of many American items, including US gold eagles. At the time, until those taxes were cancelled, we could not easily import new US gold eagles, and temporarily stopped offering them for sale.
This punitive tax has now been removed, but we have left this paragraph here for information.

Prices
Gold bullion prices fluctuate constantly. We don't try to maintain a current price quotation on our website.
Please contact us if you wish to buy or sell eagles.

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order