United States Mint sales of American Gold Eagle bullion coins surged in April 2011, surpassing the previous month’s levels, those from the same period of a year ago and ranking as one of the best April’s in history.
United States Mint Authorized Purchasers picked up 108,000 ounces of 22-karat bullion coins in April, handily topping the 73,500 sold in March 2011 by 34,500, or 46.9 percent, and the 60,500 sold in April 2010 by 47,500, or 78.5 percent.
American Gold Eagle bullion coin sales were led by the largest one ounce size ($50) followed by the one half ounce ($25). The smaller quarter ounce ($10) and tenth ounce ($5) coins registered their weakest monthly sales since January. January remains the best overall month this year as sales were supported by the release of the first 2011-dated issue.
2011 Gold Eagle Bullion Sales
| Month | One ( oz. / # ) |
Half ( oz. / # ) |
Quarter ( oz. / # ) |
Tenth ( oz. / # ) |
Total ( oz. / # ) |
| January | 130,500 130,500 |
500 1,000 |
500 2,000 |
2,000 20,000 |
133,500 153,500 |
| February | 72,500 72,500 |
6,000 12,000 |
4,000 16,000 |
10,000 100,000 |
92,500 200,500 |
| March | 60,500 60,500 |
4,000 8,000 |
5,000 20,000 |
4,000 40,000 |
73,500 128,500 |
| April | 94,500 94,500 |
6,000 12,000 |
3,500 14,000 |
4,000 40,000 |
108,000 160,500 |
| YTD | 358,000 358,000 |
16,500 33,000 |
13,000 52,000 |
20,000 200,000 |
92,500 200,500 |
The United States Mint introduced the Gold Eagle bullion coin in October 1986. Historically, April tends to be one the weaker sales months for gold bullion, although it generally outperforms summer months. Last month ranks as the fourth best April of all time.
Top 5 April Gold Eagle Sales
| Year | March Rank | Sales Total |
| 1999 | 1 | 161,000 |
| 1987 | 2 | 149,500 |
| 2009 | 3 | 147,500 |
| 2011 | 4 | 108,500 |
| 1998 | 5 | 71,000 |
American Gold Eagle bullion coins are different than the numismatic or collector counterparts. All Gold Eagles are composed of .9167 fine gold and share the same obverse and reverse designs. An easy means of telling the coins apart is searching for a mint mark. The collector proof and uncirculated versions bear a West Point "W" mint mark on their obverse. The bullion Gold Eagle has no mint mark.
This site’s bullion coins section offers information on US and World bullion offerings from government mints.
