This program began in 1986 and has been struck annually by the United States Mint. The 2011 Bullion Gold Eagle is the 26th striking. On January 3, 2011, the US Mint began selling the one-ounce coins to its network of approved customers.
Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 was the legislation that gave the series its authorization. Among the United States' official gold bullion coins, the Eagle is regarded to be the most prestigious currency.
To ensure durability, each is made from 22 carat gold, which contains 91.67% gold, 3% silver, and 5.33% copper. Some call it crown gold since it has been the standard for English gold coinage since the 1500s.
American Gold Eagles have become a popular investment for modest gold portfolios worldwide since their inception. The US government guarantees each coin's composition, weight, and purity, backing your investment.
The United States Mint normally distributes a total of four different sizes of the bullion Gold Eagles on a yearly basis. In terms of legal money, the Eagle, which weighs one ounce and has a face value of fifty dollars, is the most popular.
Also manufactured are 1/2, 1/4, and 1/10 ounce Gold Eagles with $25, $10, and $5 face values. Despite legal tender status, each coin's intrinsic worth is connected to the market price of the gold in each striking.
Since its inception, all Gold American Eagles have featured Augustus Saint-Gaudens' 1907-1933 $20 gold piece Liberty on their obverse. This Liberty design is considered one of the most attractive on US coins. The reverse depicts Miley Busiek's male eagle with an olive branch in its beak flying above a nest with a mother and her hatchlings.
Proof and uncirculated Gold Eagles are also sold directly by the US Mint to collectors. In contrast, the Mint sells silver Eagles through its authorized buyers to make them affordable.
Ever since they were first introduced, the United States Mint has created millions of Gold Eagles, which are bullion coins weighing one ounce each. Each year's mintage is broken down into the following categories: