Eagle (U.S. coin)
From Freepedia
The Eagle was one of several coins issued in gold by the United States Mint. It was denominated at $10. The others were gold dollars, quarter eagles ($2.50); three dollar pieces; half eagles ($5.00); and double eagles ($20.00); a single commemorative issue of quintuple eagles ($50.00) was minted in 1915. These denomination of coins have been retired and are no longer produced. Although technically still legal tender the value of the gold content vastly exceeds the face value. They are generally held either by coin collectors or as an investment in gold.
Quarter eagles were issued for circulation by the United States Mint from 1796 until 1907; half eagles from 1795 until 1929; eagles from 1795 to 1933; double eagles from 1850 to 1933, although for each of these ranges of years there were occasional gaps in production. The diameter of quarter eagles was 17 mm; of half eagles 21 mm; of eagles 27 mm; and of double eagles 34 mm. The purity of all circulating gold coins in the United States was 22 karats (11 parts gold to 1 part alloy). The weight of quarter eagles was 67.5 troy grains (4.37 g); of half eagles 135 troy grains (8.75 g); of eagles 270 troy grains (17.5 g); of double eagles 540 troy grains (1.125 troy ounces or 35 g).
American eagle: silver, gold, and platinum bullion
The United States' circulating eagle denomination from the late 18th century to first third of the 20th century should not be confused with the bullion and collector coins named "American Eagle" which are manufactured from silver since 1986 or gold since 1987 or platinum since 1997.
