2010 American Gold Eagle
The 2010 Gold Eagle faces another year of heightened demand for precious metals bullion coins and ongoing supply issues of the United States Mint. The bullion version of the coin was offered after a brief delay starting on January 19, 2010, and the status of the collectible uncircualted and proof coins will be contingent upon the US Mint’s ability to satisfy the public demand for bullion coins.
The delayed release of 2010 Gold Eagles was the consequence of a resurgence in demand for gold bullion coins which occurred in November 2009. Typically, the US Mint will begin producing coins bearing the following year’s date around this time, allowing them to take orders in December for delivery in early January. Amidst heavy demand, the Mint decided to continue production of 2009-dated coins through year end, delaying the production and release of 2010-dated coins.
Around the same time, the US Mint’s inventory of 2009 Gold Eagles was depleted forcing them to suspend sales. When sales resumed, the Mint reinstated its allocation program, which limits the number of bullion coins that may be ordered at the authorized purchaser level. This allocation program continued when sales of the 2010 Gold Eagles began.
The use of the allocation program has implications for the collectible 2010 Proof Gold Eagles and 2010-W Uncirculated Gold Eagles. In the prior year, the US Mint had canceled production of these popular collector coins because they were unable to meet full demand for the bullion version of the coin. As long as the rationing program remains in place, it is an indication that the US Mint is not meeting public demand, creating an impasse for the collector coins.
2010 Gold Eagle Specifications
Date: 2010
Mint Mark: none (bullion), W (proof and uncirculated)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Weight ($50 Coin): 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 grams)
Diameter ($50 Coin): 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness ($50 Coin): 0.113 inches (2.87 mm)
Designers: Augustus Saint-Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)
2010 Gold Eagle Mintage
Bullion Mintage: TBD
Proof Mintage: TBD
Burnished Mintage: TBD
