The 2011 Proof Gold Eagle represents the collector’s edition of the United States Mint’s renowned American Gold Eagle Program, which debuted alongside the American Silver Eagles in 1986. This collector coin was made available in four different sizes on April 21, 2011.
Launch and Early Sales Performance
Initial sales of the 2011 Proof Gold Eagles were steady but unremarkable during the first six months after their release. On October 14, 2011, the U.S. Mint announced that the individual one-ounce Proof Gold Eagle had sold out. However, sales for the other sizes and the 4-coin set remained below 50% of their respective production caps.
Production Limits and Mintages for 2011 Proof Gold Eagles
| Product | Product Limit | Mintage Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz ($50) | 30,000 | 70,000 |
| 1/2 oz ($25) | 15,000 | 55,000 |
| 1/4 oz ($10) | 16,000 | 56,000 |
| 1/10 oz ($5) | 30,000 | 70,000 |
| 4-Coin Set | 40,000 | N/A |
Each “American Eagle Gold Proof Coin” undergoes multiple strikes during minting to achieve its signature frosted cameo appearance. Coins are encased in protective capsules and presented in elegant cases, enhancing their appeal to collectors. The four available sizes—$50 one-ounce, $25 half-ounce, $10 quarter-ounce, and $5 tenth-ounce—are standard for the series.
Distinctions Between Proof and Bullion Gold Eagles
Proof Gold Eagles differ significantly from their bullion counterparts, which are primarily targeted at investors. Proof coins feature a polished, high-quality finish, the distinctive “W” mintmark indicating their origin at the West Point Mint, and are sold directly to the public by the U.S. Mint. In contrast, bullion Gold Eagles lack the proof finish and are distributed through the Mint’s network of authorized purchasers.
Timeless Design
The design of the Proof Gold Eagle remains unchanged since its 1986 inception. The obverse features the iconic Liberty image by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, originally seen on the $20 gold piece minted between 1907 and 1933. On the reverse, Miley Busiek’s depiction of a male eagle carrying an olive branch soaring over a nest with a female eagle and hatchlings captures the essence of family and strength.
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Collector and Investor Variants
In addition to Proof and bullion Gold Eagles, the U.S. Mint also produces Uncirculated Gold Eagles, specifically designed for collectors who prefer a non-proof finish.
Historical Mintages of One-Ounce Proof Gold Eagles
The one-ounce Proof Gold Eagle has been minted annually since 1986, except in 2009, when production was paused to allocate gold blanks for bullion coin demand. Below is a breakdown of annual mintages for the one-ounce coin:
| Year | Mintage | Year | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 446,290 | 2000 | 33,007 |
| 1987 | 147,498 | 2001 | 24,555 |
| 1988 | 87,133 | 2002 | 27,499 |
| 1989 | 54,570 | 2003 | 28,344 |
| 1990 | 62,401 | 2004 | 28,215 |
| 1991 | 50,411 | 2005 | 35,246 |
| 1992 | 44,826 | 2006 | 47,092 |
| 1993 | 34,369 | 2007 | 51,810 |
| 1994 | 46,674 | 2008 | 30,237 |
| 1995 | 46,368 | 2009 | N/A |
| 1996 | 36,153 | 2010 | TBD |
| 1997 | 32,999 | 2011 | TBD |
| 1998 | 25,886 | ||
| 1999 | 31,427 |
The 2011 Proof Gold Eagle continues to hold a special place among collectors for its striking design, meticulous craftsmanship, and enduring legacy in American coinage.