Bullion Corner
The modern American bullion program — its origins, legislation, and coin series.
The value of your coins is never static — it moves with the metals market. This page gives you live bullion and spot prices for gold, silver, and copper, so you always know what the raw metal in your collection is worth. We show you how spot price relates to the premium you pay and how shifts in the market ripple into the value of your numismatic pieces. Whether you're a stacker building weight or a collector chasing rarities, knowing the market is knowing your collection. Check the prices, understand the trend, and stack with confidence.
Stackers Corner
Track melt values, calculate premiums, and explore bullion investment tools in one place.
The Birth of Modern Bullion
1978 — GSA Auctions
The US government and Treasury began selling bullion to the public in 1978 through a series of General Services Administration auctions. These auctions offered gold previously held in government reserves, marking a pivotal shift toward public access to precious metals as investment assets.
The US Mint subsequently launched its modern, official bullion coin program — the American Eagles — in 1986 following the passage of the Gold Bullion Coin Act. This legislation authorized the Treasury to mint and issue gold coins in various denominations, creating what would become one of the world's most recognized bullion coin programs.
Explore Further
Would you like to know more about the specific types of bullion (such as Gold, Silver, or Platinum Eagles) the US Mint sells, or the historical laws that restricted private gold ownership prior to 1975?
American Eagle Bullion Programs
Mintage data sourced from AGE/ASE reference document, updated March 5, 2026.