The United States Mint today at noon ET released its 2017-W $50 Uncirculated American Gold Eagle, the 10th issue in the 1-ounce gold coin series which debuted in 2006.
This is a burnished edition of the companion bullion piece. The latter is intended for investors while the former, like the related proof version, is struck for coin collectors.
American Gold Eagles share the same basic imagery whether bullion, proof or uncirculated. They are made at the U.S. Mint facility in West Point. Only the numismatic proof and uncirculated editions, however, feature the West Point Mint’s ‘W’ mintmark.
Initial pricing for the 22-karat gold coin is $1,575.00, representing an increase of $50 from last year’s starting price. The price can change weekly depending on the Mint’s pricing schedule and the trending value of gold.
Coin Designs and Specifications
Adorning the coin’s obverse (heads side) is a design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It depicts Liberty as was first seen on 1907-1933 $20 gold coins. This design has proven popular with collectors. Added to the image of allegorical figure are inscriptions of LIBERTY, the year and the mintmark.
Miley Busiek’s image showing a family of eagles graces the reverse (tails side) of each coin. Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, IN GOD WE TRUST, the composition of 1 OZ. FINE GOLD and the face value of 50 DOLLARS.
U.S. Mint-provided coin specifications follow:
Gold Eagle Coin Specifications
| Denomination: | $50 |
| Composition: | 91.67% Gold, 3.0% Silver, Balance Copper |
| Weight: | 1.0909 troy oz. (33.931 grams) |
| Diameter: | 1.287 inches (32.70 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.113 inch (2.87 mm) |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Mint Mark: | West Point — W |
Ordering
Order 2017-W $50 Uncirculated American Gold Eagles directly from the U.S. Mint’s website page dedicated to gold coins, located here, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). No mintage, household or order limits apply.
Low Mintages
Some collect uncirculated Gold Eagles because their mintages are far lower than counterpart proof and bullion editions. Sales of last year’s release ended at 6,887 coins, the third lowest in the uncirculated series. The two lower mintage years happened in 2015 at 6,533 and in 2012 at 5,829.
The U.S. Mint released uncirculated Gold Eagles in 1/10 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/2 oz. and 1 oz. sizes in years 2006 to 2008. The coin program was suspended in 2009 and 2010. The series resumed in 2011 as an annual offering with the 1 oz. size.
