Gold Eagle Coins were first introduced in 1986 and have become the most popular bullion coin among collectors and investors. Beautifully and thoughtfully designed, the piece represents values long held sacred by Americans; life, liberty, and family. All are Christian values as well. On one side of the coin a majestic eagle swoops down into a nest which holds a young family. Inscribed on this side is the weight and denomination. E Pluribus Unum, which means out of many: one, is printed on this side of the coin as well. The United States of America and In God We Trust are also found on the eagle of the money. A depiction of Liberty carrying a torch and olive branch is found on the obverse side. She is shown against a rising sun and the United States Capital. The design is patterned after the Augustus Saint-Gaudens inspired $20 coin first minted in 1907 and circulated until 1933. Eagles are legal tender, and the United States Government guarantees the weight, content, and purity. All Gold Eagle Coins are 24-karat. However, they do contain small amounts of alloy. In fact, the actual composition is 91.67 percent gold mined only in the United States, 3 percent silver, and 5.33 percent copper. Adding the alloy helps reduce scratching and marring to the finish of the coin. Therefore, the currency contains impurities. No worldly wealth is without impurities. Only God and the wisdom from Heaven are pure. An act of congress started the Gold Eagle Coins program. The coins are minted in both proof and uncirculated condition in Philadelphia and West Point. In numismatic terms, proofs are a limited number of the coins of a new issue, minted with special care. Proofs are more valuable because they are printed in limited quantities. Also, Gold Eagle Coins are minted in four different sizes, each with a different face value. The one-once size has a face value of $50, and the half-once size has a $25 face value. A quarter-once piece is minted with a face value of $10. The smallest size is one-tenth of a once and is valued at $5. Regardless of the size or denomination, each piece has the same design. According to online sources, each coin is worth more than the face value. Keep in mind, although Gold Eagle Coins symbolizes the American values of life, liberty, and family; worldly wealth cannot secure any of those precious items. But, God can.
Most Christians know that gold was one of the first Christmas gifts given to Jesus Christ by the Magi. Of the three gifts, precious metal was the only one that symbolized Jesus' position as king. But, the symbolism of the gift was more important than the monetary value. Riches were of no use to Jesus. And, his entrance into the world was noticeably absent of riches and wealth. Bethlehem was not a city of great importance or wealth. Mary was a poor unwed teenager. Joseph was a carpenter. The first people told by the angel about the birth of Jesus were poor shepherds tending their flocks. Jesus was worth far more than a precious metal. Job is very clear about what shall be held as important and precious. Make the Almighty gold and delight in the Lord. All wealth, even the Gold Eagle Coins, belong to the Lord. In the book of Haggai God declares that all wealth is his.
In the Bible, wisdom is more precious than any earthly nugget of metal. "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither found in the place of the living. The depth saith, not in me: and the sea saith, not in me. Cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, or with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold." (Job 28: 12-19) Gold Eagle Coins are beautiful to see and are a symbol of the vast riches and opportunities available in America. But, the beauty and value must be kept in perspective. If their popularity is any indication, Eagles must also be a joy to collect and keep.
Keep in mind, Gold Eagle Coins are a symbol of worldly wealth. And, the Bible says that putting hope in worldly wealth is wrong because worldly things are so uncertain. Instead put hope in God who provides everything for earthly enjoyment. The Bible also says to do good things and to be rich in good deeds. Also, share and be generous. Jewels, gems, and other precious metals have been prized and sought by people of just about every society practically since the beginning of time. People have been killed for possessing riches, and people have died seeking the precious metal. Greed is the one word that best symbolizes the conquest. Jewels have been idolized throughout history. And, the Bible says there must not be any form of impurity or greed. A greedy or impure person is considered an idolater with no inheritance in the kingdom of Jesus Christ or God.
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