The 2011 Bullion Gold Eagle marked the twenty-sixth year of the United States Mint’s Gold Eagle program, which first began in 1986. These one-ounce coins were made available for purchase by the US Mint through its authorized dealers starting on January 3, 2011.
Authorized by the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985, the Gold Eagle series has become the official gold bullion coin of the United States. Each coin is struck from 22 karat gold, made up of 91.67% gold, with 3% silver and 5.33% copper added for increased durability. This specific alloy is known as “crown gold,” a composition that has been used for English gold coins since the 1500s.
Since their debut, American Gold Eagles have gained worldwide popularity as a reliable investment, allowing individuals to easily add small amounts of gold to their portfolios. The United States government backs the authenticity of each coin, guaranteeing its weight, gold content, and purity.
The US Mint typically strikes four sizes of the Gold Eagles each year. The one-ounce coin, with a face value of $50, is the most sought-after. Additionally, the Mint produces 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10 ounce versions, with face values of $25, $10, and $5, respectively. While the coins are legal tender, their actual value is tied to the fluctuating market price of gold, rather than their nominal face value.
Each Bullion Gold Eagle features an image of Liberty on the obverse, based on the iconic design by artist Augustus Saint-Gaudens used on the 1907-1933 $20 gold piece. Many consider this depiction of Liberty to be one of the most beautiful ever to appear on a U.S. coin. The reverse, designed by sculptor Miley Busiek, depicts a male eagle in flight with an olive branch in its beak, soaring above a nest containing a female eagle and her young.
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In addition to the bullion coins, the US Mint also produces proof and uncirculated versions of the Gold Eagle for collectors, which are sold directly to the public. This differs from the bullion coins, which are distributed through the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers to ensure they are available at near-market prices.
Since the program’s inception, millions of one-ounce Gold Eagles have been minted. The annual mintage figures for each year are listed below:
1 oz. Mintage by Year:
- 1986: 1,362,650
- 1987: 1,045,500
- 1988: 465,500
- 1989: 415,790
- 1990: 373,210
- 1991: 243,100
- 1992: 275,000
- 1993: 480,192
- 1994: 221,663
- 1995: 200,636
- 1996: 189,148
- 1997: 664,508
- 1998: 1,468,530
- 1999: 1,505,026
- 2000: 433,319
- 2001: 143,605
- 2002: 222,029
- 2003: 416,032
- 2004: 417,019
- 2005: 356,555
- 2006: 237,510
- 2007: 140,016
- 2008: 710,000
- 2009: 1,493,000
- 2010: To be announced