2012 American Gold Eagle
The 2012 Gold Eagle will be available for order by the United States Mint’s authorized purchaser network starting on January 3, 2012. Soon thereafter, the coins should become available to the collectors and precious metals investors.
As with other bullion coins offered by the US Mint, distribution of the American Gold Eagles takes place through a network of authorized purchasers. These companies are able to purchase the coins in bulk quantities directly from the Mint based on the market price of gold plus a percentage mark up. The coins are then resold to secondary dealers or the general public. Authorized purchasers must also maintain a two way market for the bullion coins, offering to either buy or sell.
The January 3, 2012 release date will include the availability of the most popular one ounce Gold Eagles as well as the fractional weight coins. Since the start of the program, coins have been minted in one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce sizes to accommodate different investment levels. For the past two years, the fractional weight coins were launched at a later date, separately from the one ounce coins.
Later in the year, the US Mint is also expected to release 2012 Proof Gold Eagle coins in a full range of weights. These numismatic versions are produced through a specialized minting process that involves specially prepared dies and blanks. The coins are struck multiple times for sharp relief and carry a cameo finish with frosted raised design elements against a mirrored background. The proof Gold Eagles are sold directly by the United States Mint, typically packaged in velvet lined boxes with certificates of authenticity.
The US Mint may also offer a second numismatic version, the 2012-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle. These coins are struck on specially burnished blanks and carry the “W” mint mark. The product was previously released from 2006 to 2008 in the full range of sizes. After a two year gap in production, the offering was resumed in 2011, but available only in one ounce size.
2012 Gold Eagle Specifications
Date: 2012
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)
2012 Gold Eagle Mintage
Bullion Mintage: TBD
Proof Mintage: TBD
Burnished Mintage: TBD
