The Gold Eagles sold direct to consumers by the mint are either "proofs" -- struck with a special finish, or a special minting targeted towards collectors. You

The Gold Eagles sold direct to consumers by the mint are either "proofs" -- struck with a special finish, or a special minting targeted towards collectors. You're paying a premium for the "W" mint-mark and fancy box. They also make a non-collector version and sell them to bullion dealers, who then mark them up modestly for retail. To get access to them direct, you're probably buying hundreds of coins at a time.