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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-A

For Registration of Certain Classes of Securities
Pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

And

Listing of Such Securities on the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc.

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Iowa	42-1447959
(State of Incorporation or Organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification no.)
5000 Westown Parkway, Suite 440 West Des Moines, Iowa	50266
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

        If this form relates to the registration of a class of securities pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act and is effective pursuant to General Instruction A.(c), please check the following box.    ý

        If this form relates to the registration of a class of securities pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and is effective pursuant to General Instruction A.(d), please check the following box.    o

        Securities Act registration statement file number to which this form relates: 333-108794

        Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class to be so Registered	Name of Each Exchange on Which Each Class is to be Registered
Common Stock, $1.00 par value	New York Stock Exchange

        Securities to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None	None
(Title of Class)	(Name of Exchange)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 1. Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered.

        For a description of the securities to be registered hereunder, reference is made to the information set forth under the heading "Description of Capital Stock" in the Registrant's Prospectus, which constitutes part of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (File No. 333-108794), filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which information is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2. Exhibits

        Not applicable.

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SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

	AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT LIFE HOLDING COMPANY
Date: November 26, 2003	By:	/s/  WENDY L. CARLSON
	Name:	Wendy L. Carlson
	Title:	Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel

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INFORMATION REQUIRED IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT

Item 1. Description of Registrant's Securities to be Registered.
Item 2. Exhibits

SIGNATURE