1986 saw the launch of the American Gold Eagle, authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985. For the first time since the 1933 confiscation, the US government itself minted a gold bullion coin for ordinary investors. The Eagle would become one of the most widely traded bullion coins in the world and a cornerstone of American gold IRAs. It arrived in a quiet market — gold was still mired in its long bear — but it democratized access to the metal for decades to come.
Key events of 1986
- 1986-10-01
American Gold Eagle launches
The US Mint issues its first modern gold bullion coin for investors.