Authorized under the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, it was first released by the United States Mint in 1986.

This is particularly true with the 1/4-oz American Gold Eagle, which has a marked face value of ten dollars, the same as that of its predecessor.

By law, the gold must come from sources in the United States, alloyed with silver and copper to produce a more wear-resistant coin.

In addition, sales of these and other specie coins from the US Mint are mandated, at least in part, to pay off the national debt.

Frost’s design drawing was sculpted for the reverse of the Gold Eagle by US Mint sculptor - engraver Sherl Joseph Winter (JW).

His gaze speaks of pride and wisdom passed down through generations of time.”[3] Gold Eagles minted 1986–1991 are dated with Roman numerals.

These final audited mintages from the U.S. Mint include coins sold both individually and as part of multi-coin sets.

[10] In 2009, the allocation of blanks for the legally required production of bullion Gold Eagles affected both uncirculated coin and proof availability.

[11] The United States Mint provided audited and finalized annual production sales reports between 2006–2012.