US Mint Gold Coins: 2011 Releases

The United States Mint has scheduled and revealed the tentative dates for the release of the 2011 US Mint Gold Coins. Although there is a possibility that these dates might be changed, according to reports in the Coin Update, the United States Gold Mint is planning to release its widely demanded annual sets this January. The products being released will include the Proof Set, Silver Proof Set and Mint Set.

These annual sets were traditionally released during the middle of the year. Even in 2010, collectors and investors had to wait for the launch of these annual sets until July and August. The scheduling of the release of these annual sets was changed when the US Mint recognized the huge demand for these sets. The United States Mint Director said, “We’ve listened to our customers and their desire to have these annual sets earlier in the year.”

According to the announcement, the 2011 annual sets will include the upcoming releases of “America the Beautiful” Quarters Program at:

• Chickasaw Recreation Area
• Olympic National Park
• Vicksburg National Military Park
• Glacier National Park
• Gettysburg National Military Park

Also included in the annual sets will be the 2011 Presidential Dollars, which will have depictions of James A. Garfield, Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hayes and Ulysses S. Grant.

US Mint Gold Coins: 2011 Gold Eagle Coins

The US Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2011 Gold Eagle bullion coins from authorized purchasers on January 3, 2011. The US Mint will initially only offer a one-ounce edition of the 2011 Gold Eagle coin. Since 1986, the US Mint has been offering fractional weight coins to provide greater flexibility as well as to accommodate different levels of investment. Other sizes which are included are the one-tenth ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-half ounce coins.

The Gold Eagles will be distributed to the public by the US Mint through a group of authorized purchasers. There are basically six primary distributors who can purchase gold bullions directly from the US Mint. The price paid for it is determined by the London PM Gold Fix on the date after it is ordered. A premium of 3 percent is added for the one-ounce coins. The minimum quantity that can be ordered is 1,000 ounces.

The sale of the 2010 Gold Eagles to authorized purchasers will be continued as long as the inventories remain. If any 2010 dated coins remain unsold on January 3, 2011, they will be sold to authorized purchasers (who have ordered the 2011 dated coins) on a ratio basis.

US Gold Mint Coins: 2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coins
On September 29, 2010 the United States Gold Mint has released the design of the 2011 edition of the Medal of Honor Commemorative coins. The following coins will be featured in the program.

• 1 ounce silver coin (with a face value of one dollar)
• ½ ounce gold coin (with a face value of five dollar)

The most attractive feature of these Medal of Honor Commemorative Gold Coins is their design. On the obverse, there is a depiction of the original Medal of Honor, which was designed in 1861 by the United States Gold Mint. Joseph Menna, a US Mint Sculptor-Engraver, will engrave the range. The coin’s other side, designed by Joel Iskowitz, depicts the Roman goddess of war and wisdom, Minerva. The goddess is seen carrying a shield in her right hand (representing the Navy and the Army) and the Union flag in the left.

The mintage limit of the silver coins is 500,000 units and 100,000 units for the gold coins. There will be a surcharge of $10 on the silver coins and a surcharge of $35 on the gold coins. The proceeds from the sale of these coins (estimated at $8.5 million) will go towards the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to support its scholarship, educational and outreach programs.