Launching today at noon EDT, the 2024-W $50 Uncirculated American Gold Eagle from the U.S. Mint features Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ iconic Liberty design, one of the most cherished in American coinage history.
This release continues the U.S. Mint series that began in 2006 when uncirculated coins were added to the already 20-year-old proof and bullion American Gold Eagle lineup. All three versions are struck from 1 ounce of 22-karat gold (91.67% gold, 3% silver, and the remainder copper).
Several thousand of these coins are sold annually, as shown below:
U.S. Mint Reported Uncirculated Gold Eagle Sales as of June 2
| 2023 (still available) | 6,415 |
| 2022 | 8,857 |
| 2021 | 8,964 |
| 2020 | 6,284 |
| 2019 | 5,851 |
Uncirculated American Gold Eagle Coin Designs
As mentioned, Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ Liberty is depicted on the obverse (heads side) of uncirculated Gold Eagles. This allegorical likeness of Liberty first appeared on $20 gold coins minted between 1907 and 1933, reappeared on the bullion and proof American Gold Eagles in 1986, and was later used in the uncirculated series starting in 2006. The image was refreshed in 2021 when the U.S. Mint utilized historical assets and modern-day technology to create a design that more closely reflects Saint-Gaudens’ original work.
A full-length figure of Liberty is shown with flowing hair, holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. Inscriptions around the design include “LIBERTY” and the year “2024.”
In 2021, a new design was also introduced for the reverse (tails side) of the American Gold Eagle Program. This design, featuring the head of an eagle, was created by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Jennie Norris and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon.
Inscriptions on the reverse include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “50 DOLLARS,” and “1 OZ. FINE GOLD.”
The coins also include anti-counterfeiting variable reeding on the edge.
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 and Pricing
The 2024-W $50 Uncirculated American Gold Eagle can be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint through its gold coins store page located here. Initial pricing for the coins is $3,170, but this may change weekly based on the Mint’s precious metal pricing matrix.
Sorry, premium’s too high. For this price you could buy a bullion 1 oz. plus 2 bullion 1/10 oz. and get 20% more gold. When gold goes to higher levels all versions will just be worth melt.
Mark, The Numi UNC Eagle below just flew in to me from slabber land a couple of days ago. I’m surprised at the valuation posted(although inflated), but I’ll take it. In 2020 it was a lot cheaper of a buy. Not only does the grade give it a $ boost, but the Mintage figure in the above chart reveals it to be on the lower end. With that being said, you’re probably right when it comes down to spot. It will go to higher levels. I can only hope that my Unc Au piece will hang in there at a… Read more »
Mark In Florida, I hadn’t thought about that before. This appears to indicate that If one were to follow that same pattern with regard to silver, the spot price of that (less so) precious metal would have to at the very least exceed ninety dollars an ounce before it’s metal cost passed the price set for the Mint’s previous sales of silver coins. Another issue apparently in play here is that gold naturally commences any price rise with a relative multiplier advantage of roughly 76 times that of silver. This means that for every dollar per ounce in value that… Read more »
Anyone seen cag posting anywhere?
Mark, I think I’ve heard from JQC that he frequents the IRA/Indices style forums, which makes perfect sense. He is here too… The(mostly)friendly banter that no doubt we would see here with cagcrisp in the mix, would be entertaining to say the least. He can rattle feathers, but at the same time make you think about the subject of the day from his perspective… Another one of his quotes(paraphrased)… “There used to be a time, that when someone didn’t know what they were talking about, they wouldn’t post at all. Now they just post anyway”… I can see what he… Read more »
Cag, he still in the League??? Well, He will reappear when USM proof AGE premiums are 100% above spot, the. Bytch still “too cheap…”
My condolences, John Q.
Rick and Mark,
“There used to be a time, that when someone didn’t know what they were talking about, they wouldn’t post at all.”
That time did exist…before the invention of the internet.
Rick, the moment I came across your “He can rattle feathers” observation I did a quick 360 while simultaneously morphing into my tried and true “Everybody was Kung Fu fightin’, those cats were fast as lightnin'” stance. One never knows, do one?
I don’t frequent Collector’s Universe, but I’ve seen Cag post there before, but not recently.
Hey E C Guru,
We will be expecting a report back from you(or anyone)from Long Beach, CA. This is a big coin show. Nothing overly comprehensive, just your take on the vibe sir…
A prediction I’ll put out there: The busiest booth at the show will be the large “Coin Supplies Booth”…Let us know, thanks.
And my prediction for the 2nd busiest booth today and Friday?
The Seminar Booth with coin expert Steve Feltner, as well as the onsite grading booth over at PCGS…
Just a hunch on the predictions. Onsite show grading & submissions saves a bunch of shipping $$’s.
Wow, guess I miss it, my mother I. Law passed away last weekend so coins are a distant sight in the REAR VIEW MIRROR….lost het 92CC $10 I was shottong for
So sorry to hear that, John Q. Coinage. My sincere condolences to your family.
JQ,
I’m very sorry to hear about your Mother in Law. That has to be really tough for everyone.
As far as missing the coin show that stinks, you could’ve said hi to the Big “V” over at the Mint booth! Maybe she has a few ’24 Silver PF Sets in her bag!? She could’ve slipped one over to PCGS to slab-up an S-Kennedy for you!?
Go get this CC below?..But in MS they aint Cheep!…
https://www.collectorscorner.com/Products/Item.aspx?id=66410630
ATTENTION FELLOW COLLECTORS:
Everyone here so inclined should order their complimentary (with free shipping) sets of U.S. Mint American Women Quarters Collector Coin Boards for 2022, 2023 and 2024 (2 for each year allowed) ASAP. I received mine a few days ago and not only are they handy for AWQ storage and collecting but they are attractive and informative as well. I highly recommend getting yours from the Mint before they run out!
Thanks for the tip Kaiser Wilhelm! Ordered mine…
You’re very welcome, 2cents; entirely my (numismatic) pleasure!
Thanks for the reminder Kaiser Wilhelm. I was going to order some a while back, but I forgot.
I liked to look through nickels in my change for a another reason. People fish out the wheatback pennies and the silver dimes, quarters, etc. An older Jefferson is less distinct. Every once in a while I used to find a WWII era nickel in change.
VinnieC, you hit upon the most unheralded coins IMO, being the War Nickels (1942-1945) with 35% silver (and no actual nickel because it was needed for the war). I’ve never found a silver dime and only one silver quarter but have over a dozen silver nickels from searching through rolls. It’s not a lot of silver, but they’re cool to find. The amazing thing about nickels to me is that many of the old ones look just as shiny as the newer ones, so that’s why I think they’re often overlooked in change.
I always sort of like the big mint mark over Monticello too.
Another classic feature, VinnieC, and I’m glad you reminded us of that.
Major D,
You and your fabulous way of describing coins! If I wasn’t a bigger man I would be jealous of the way you are able to portray their appearance so well that you don’t have to actually see one to know what it looks like!
You’re quite welcome, VinnieC; we collectors have to pass on helpful hints!
By the way, I really like the look of the old WWII nickels; I would call it “smudged silver”.
Thanks Kaiser!
You are most certainly welcome, Major D, and I do hope it served you well!
Rick, in a previous thread, said: “I’m loving it, but wonder why, as you do, that they(like NGC) choose the reverse of the coin to go on the front(label side)of the holder as well. Almost randomly it seems.”(re: “Shield” cents) Rick, my 2 bits, the reason(good chance, E1 and yourself are likely aware), more or less regarding the “Reverse”, seemingly being the default go to, for front or up orientation with “Shield” cents, can be attributed IMO, to the 2009 Lincoln Cent Bicentennial Program. These 4 issues being different and new options for the reverse designs, warranted the “Reverse” being… Read more »
Yes, it looks like 2009 was the beginning, as well as all of those special Shield editions/finishes thereafter. And now it looks to be something with no end in sight. I totally get it with the ’09’s, the Lyndall Bass labels, etc., etc…But for the “V”? That I do not get for the life of me? You’re onto something with an option for reverse up/down ✓ on the submission forms. The TPG’s should absolutely put it there just in case to avoid any confusion.. According to the PCGS Rep that I spoke with just yesterday, he made it clear to… Read more »
Rick and CaliSkier,
It seems that with the few exceptions possibly required for new or single year Reverses, coins should always be encapsulated with the obverse to the front.
ECG reporting in from Long Beach. 60 years they have been doing this show. The show was well attended. Lots of dealers and it was back to pre-Covid days as far as activity. Long lines to submit coins to PCGS and long lines for their experts to look at coins, cards & memorabilia brought in for an opinion. I looked around at the tables for a graded extra “V” penny and couldn’t find one. Ended up buying a MS 440-404 BC tetra drachm 5/5 strike 4/5 surface. Always wanted one with Athena obverse and the owl on the reverse. Not… Read more »
Nice, sounds like a great show and thanks for the report!
Great to hear! I’m curious as to the age demographic, older vs younger, and how it compared to past shows. Any differences? Did you see many next-gen in attendance? Thanks for reporting!
Thanks for the report ECG. I figured it might be hard to find an extra “V” penny at a show. The varieties I collect are difficult to find, but the extra “V” is so much rarer. I always wanted an Athena/Owl tetradrachm too. Sounds like you got a really nice one. Every time I see a bargain, it always had a test cut in the middle of the owl’s head.
VinnieC, regarding the extra “V” I was trying to get a handle on exactly how rare it might be, and whether it is isolated to a particular geographic region? E 1 helped provide a cert population report. I’ve been straining my eyes looking through 2023s that I’ve found in rolls without any luck, and I think I’ll stop now. Although I did find a Wide AM 2000 (P) so all is not lost! And I thought looking for Wide AM’s was hard on the eyes, but it’s nothing like looking for the extra “V”! So, do you all think this… Read more »
Major D, I think it was E1 in a thread on MNB that mentioned that many extra V pennies showed up New York and Puerto Rico. With MNB being gone I can’t check on that. I bought an ANACS slabbed Extra V from a guy in Puerto Rico.
Another 2023 favorite of mine was the Edith Kanaka’ole die clash quarter. I tore open my “P” roll of Edith Kanaka’ole and found nothing except for some possible feeder finger scratches.
ECG,
It doesn’t surprise me about the total absence of the Extra “V”s at the show. Not many of them exist. The dealers are the wisest and they are probably not parting with them. If anything, they are looking for them. Enjoy the show. Send my regards to the Spruce Goose.
Cheers
E1, My timing is off. This is me flying out of LGB on Monday. One of these days I am going to be in Long Beach for the coin show. BTW the Spruce Goose moved to Oregon in 1992. The “Spruce Goose” dome remains 🙂
VinnieC,
I’ve been to Long Beach many times for the Grand Prix. But, it has been decades since then. I didn’t know that they moved the Spruce Goose. They must have broken it into pieces and trucked it. Looks like the Queen Mary is still there. I have never been to the Long Beach Coin Show either. One of these days. Along with the FUN show in Orlando. A Bucket List item.
Cheers
Also,
Great Photo!
Awesome photo, VinnieC! By the way, E 1, the Spruce Goose was moved to Oregon in pieces, as you surmised, by barge, truck and train; what a colossal job that must have been! The Queen Mary, on the other hand, was for the second time in its history once more on its last legs and ready for the scrap heap when it was rescued in the nick of time by another extensive refurbishment and turned into a hotel. One of my brothers happened to have his first wedding on that shore-bound vessel in between rebuilds, and at that time I… Read more »
Thanks E1, Thanks Kaiser.