The United States Mint first made the 2011 American Gold Buffalo available on March 14, 2011. This was the first date that authorized purchasers could place orders for the bullion version of the coin. Featuring James Earle Fraser's classic design for the Buffalo Nickel, the bullion and collector releases of the series continue to be popular with collectors and precious metals investors.

Each coin is struck in a composition of 24 karat (.9999 fine) gold and contains one troy ounce of gold content. Bullion versions, struck at the West Point Mint without a mint mark, are distributed through the US Mint's authorized purchaser network based on the market price of gold plus a mark up. Collector versions, bearing the "W" mint mark, are sold directly by the United States Mint at established prices that can fluctuate weekly based on the average price of gold.

For the current year, the US Mint intends to release a one ounce proof version of the coin for collectors. The release date for the 2011 Proof Gold Buffalo is currently scheduled for May 19, 2011. This will represent the third year that the US Mint will only offer a single version of the coin for collectors. For the 2008 Gold Buffalo coins, the US Mint had released eight different coins across two finishes and four sizes. Although these coins have gained success on the secondary market, low sales during the period of availability caused the US Mint to discontinue the additional offerings.

Availability of the bullion versions of the Gold Buffalo has sometimes been erratic. In recent years, the coins have been released late and had sales end abruptly without advance warning. This limited availability has sometimes resulted in higher premiums compared to other bullion products. For the 2011 Gold Buffalo bullion coins, the US Mint made the coins available earlier than previous years, hopefully signaling the start of a better pattern of availability.

Coin Specifications

Designer: James Earle Fraser
Date: 2011
Mint Mark: W (proof coins), none (bullion coins)
Weight: 1.0001 troy oz (31.1035 grams)
Composition: .9999 fine gold
Diameter: 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness: 0.116 inches (2.95 mm)

More Information: Gold Buffalo Guide

Coin Information

The Liberty Double Eagle was produced from 1849 to 1907. These twenty dollar gold pieces were authorized under the Act of March 3, 1849, which created the new higher denomination coins to deal with the mass of gold being sent to the Mint at the start of the California Gold Rush. The lengthy series is divided into three types, marked by changes in the inscriptions.

The original design created by James B. Longacre features the head of Liberty facing left. She wears a coronet inscribed with the word "Liberty" and has her hair pulled back and bound with some curls falling behind her neck. Thirteen stars surround, and the date appears below. On the reverse of the coin is a version of the heraldic eagle holding scrolls with the words "E Pluribus Unum".  The inscription "United States of America" appears above, with the denomination written as "Twenty D." below. In 1866, the motto "In God We Trust" was added on the reverse within the circle of stars above the eagle. This represented the start of the Type 2 or "with motto" design. In 1877, the denomination was spelled completely as "Twenty Dollars" and other elements of the design were slightly modified. This represented the Type 3 or "twenty dollars" design.

A number of important rarities are included within the series. The first is the 1849 Liberty Double Eagle, which has only a single specimen known. Technically a pattern, this was the first double eagle struck within the United States. It is currently within the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian Institution. Another important rarity is the 1861 Paquet Reverse Double Eagle. This coin was created when Anthony Paquet modified the reverse design and an unknown number of coins bearing the new design were struck. After the design was recalled, all examples were melted except for two pieces which managed to escape.

Other rarities of the series were created as a result of low mintages and extensive circulation, leading to a very low survival rate. Examples of these issues include the 1854-O, 1856-O, and 1870-CC. For each of these dates, only a small number circulated examples have survived, with no mint state pieces known to exist. The lowest mintage issue of the series is the 1882 Double Eagle, which had a mere 571 coins originally produced.

Proof versions of the Liberty Double Eagle were struck in extremely small quantities. Regular production took place from 1859 to 1907, with mintages ranging from 20 to 158 pieces. For three years 1883, 1884, and 1887, the Philadelphia Mint only struck proof versions of the double eagle, giving these proof only issues a special allure with collectors.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1849-1907
Mint: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco
Composition: 90% gold, 10% copper (0.96750 troy ounces of pure gold content)
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 33.436 grams

More Information: Liberty Double Eagle Mintages

Coin Series

The 24 karat gold coin series honoring the spouses of the Presidents of the United States will enter its fifth year. The 2011 First Spouse Gold Coins feature Eliza Johnson, Julia Grant, Lucy Hayes, and Lucretia Garfield.

Following the format of the series thus far, the obverse of each coin will include a portrait of the First Lady and the reverse will present an image, which is representative of her accomplishments or major themes of her life. There was some controversy surrounding the designs of this year's coins. When the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee reviewed the design candidates provided by the United States Mint, they selected only two designs from a field of 55 candidates. The US Mint subsequently provided additional sets of designs for evaluation.

After dropping for a number of years, sales levels for the First Spouse Gold Coins are showing signs of stabilization. When the series was first released it generated a tremendous amount of interest, which proved fleeting. After sales levels fell to historically low levels for some of the 2009 issues, the US Mint cut maximum production levels. For the 2010 issues, collectors ordered the coins in slightly higher quantities.

The following coins will be issued in 2011:

• Eliza Johnson First Spouse Gold Coin
• Julia Grant First Spouse Gold Coin
• Lucy Hayes First Spouse Gold Coin
• Lucretia Garfield First Spouse Gold Coin

Each coin is struck in one-half ounce of 24 karat gold and available in proof or uncirculated versions. The order of the release will follow the Presidential Dollar series, although the spouse coins have sometimes seen delays. The US Mint establishes maximum mintages for each issue at the beginning of the year, although these levels remain unknown.

Pricing is dependent on the market price of gold. The initial prices are determined based on the prior week's average gold price. Once the coins are available, pricing may be adjusted weekly following changes in the average price of gold.

Coin Information

The Jefferson Nickel has the distinction of being a series that is accessible to new collectors and challenging to advanced collectors. The series was introduced in 1938, replacing the previous Buffalo Nickels. The new design was created by Felix Schlag and featured a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and a depiction of his home Monticello on the reverse. Earlier dates of the series can sometimes be found within circulation, making assembling an affordable set a distinct possibility. On the other end of the spectrum, some issues are extremely elusive with full steps, creating enormous premiums.

The original design was used for nearly seven decades without major alteration. In 2004, a series of new designs known as the Westward Journey Nickels were introduced to mark the Louisiana Purchase and the expedition of Lewis and Clark. A series of four different reverse designs were used, including one depicting a buffalo, along with two different obverse designs. From 2006, a new obverse portrait by Jamie Franki and the original reverse design by Felix Schlag would serve as the new permanent design.

One of most notable issues of the series is the 1950-D Jefferson Nickel. The low mintage of 2,630,030 caused collectors to hoard large quantities of the issue. Prices rose to high levels, before eventually peaking, and crashing. The widespread hoarding of the issue results in abundant supplies of uncirculated examples of this coin.

"Full steps" refers to the steps visible at the base on Monticello on the reverse of the coin. Specialized collectors will pursue Jefferson Nickels that have five or six steps visible, which are uninterrupted by contact marks, strike weakness, or planchet flaws. Many issues of the series are exceedingly difficult to find with qualifications to meet the designation, resulting in large premiums.

The Jefferson Nickel carried the composition of 25% nickel and 75% copper for the entire series, except for a brief period from 1942 to 1945. During this time, the copper content was reduced, nickel was eliminated, and silver and manganese were added. The change was instituted in order to save strategic metals for the war effort. The composition of the nickel has recently become a topic of discussion as the intrinsic value of the coins exceeds face value, although it is illegal to melt the coins.

Coin Specifications

Dates: 1938-present
Mint: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel (1942-1945: 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese)
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Weight: 5.0 grams

Coin Information

The final release of the year for the 24 karat gold coin series honoring the First Ladies will be the Lucretia Garfield First Spouse Gold Coin. The estimated release date is December 1, 2011, although this will remain subject to potential change.

A portrait of Lucretia Garfield appears on the obverse of the coin, which was designed by Barbara Fox and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions include her name, "In God We Trust", "Liberty", "20th", "1881", and "2011". She had served as First Lady for only a brief time before her husband was shot and struggled for his life for three months before passing.

The reverse of the coin is intended to represent Lucretia Garfield's interest in art, with an image of her seated before a canvas with palette and brush. The surrounding inscriptions include "United States of America", "E Pluribus Unum", "$10", and "1/2 oz. .9999 fine gold". The reverse was designed and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso.

First Spouse Gold Coins typically carry a specified maximum mintage, which is announced prior to the start of sales. The coins remain available from the United States Mint until the maximum mintage has been sold or for approximately one year. Pricing for the coins is determined based on the average price of gold, and may be adjusted weekly.

Coin Specifications

Designer: Barbara Fox (obverse), Michael Gaudioso (reverse)
Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill (obverse), Michael Gaudioso(reverse)
Date: 2011
Mint: West Point (W mint mark)
Weight: 0.5000 troy oz. (15.554 g)
Composition: 0.9999 fine gold
Diameter: 1.041 inches (26.49 mm)
Thickness: 0.074 inches (1.88 mm)

Coin Information

The United States Mint began sales of the 2010 Proof Platinum Eagle on August 12, 2010. Within approximately one week, the entire mintage was sold out in similar fashion to the prior year release.

The coins represented the second year in an ongoing design series that presents the six core concepts of American democracy as stated in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States. The design for the 2010 Platinum Eagle was for the theme "To Establish Justice".

On the obverse of the coin is a portrait of the Statue of Liberty designed by John Mercanti. This image has appeared on every American Platinum Eagle since introduction in 1997. Inscriptions include "Liberty", "In God We Trust", and the date "2010".

The reverse of the coin features an image of a blindfolded justice holding scales and an olive branch. This design was greeted enthusiastically by collectors and had been supported by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. The inscriptions read "Justice the Guardian of Liberty", "United States of America", ".9995 Platinum", "$100", and "1 oz." Additionally, a bald eagle privy mark is positioned beneath the denomination.

The maximum authorized mintage was established at 10,000 coins, representing a 20% increase from the level of the prior year. The coins were originally priced at $1,892 with a household ordering limit of five.

Besides, the one ounce collectible proof version of the coin, the US Mint did not issue the 2010 Platinum Eagle in bullion format or any other collector formats.

Coin Specifications

Designer: John Mercanti (obverse), Donna Weaver (reverse)
Date: 2010
Mint Mark: W
Weight: 31.120 grams
Composition: 0.9995 platinum
Diameter: 32.7 mm
Thickness: 2.39 mm

More Information: American Platinum Eagles

Coin Information

Third to be released for the year, the Lucy Hayes First Spouse Gold Coin honors the wife of the 19th President of the United States. Following the specifications of the series, the coins are struck in one-half ounce of 24 karat gold.

Lucy Hayes was a strong supporter of the temperance movement and banned alcohol from the White House during her husbands administration. While First Lady, she and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a ceremony held in the White House. She also began the tradition of hosting the Easter Egg Roll, an event that is depicted on the reverse of the coin minted in her honor.

The obverse of the Lucy Hayes First Spouse Coin features her portrait, as designed by Susan Gamble. The required inscriptions including her name, "In God We Trust", "Liberty", the order of the Presidency, the dates of the term, and the date of issue appear surrounding.

Depicted on the reverse of the coin is a scene from the first Easter Egg Roll held on the grounds of the White House. It was estimated that several hundred children attended the event. The reverse shows Lucy Hayes cheering on two children. Inscriptions indicate "United States of America", "E Pluribus Unum", the face value, weight, content, and purity of the coin.

The estimated release date for the coin is September 1, 2011. Details of the release including the pricing and maximum mintage are yet to be announced.

Coin Specifications

Designer: Susan Gamble (obverse), Barbara Fox (reverse)
Sculptor: Don Everhart (obverse), Joseph Menna (reverse)
Date: 2011
Mint: West Point (W mint mark)
Weight: 0.5000 troy oz. (15.554 g)
Composition: 0.9999 fine gold
Diameter: 1.041 inches (26.49 mm)
Thickness: 0.074 inches (1.88 mm)

Coin Information

The second release for the year and the nineteenth release for the First Spouse Gold Coin series overall will feature Julia Grant. She was the wife of President Ulysses S. Grant. The coins are struck in one half ounce of .9999 fine gold.

Julia Dent first met Ulysses S. Grant at her family plantation called White Haven. At the time, he was a West Point cadet and friend of her brother. After several proposals, the two were engaged and married four years later. When her husband commanded the Union forces during the American Civil War, she moved her home to be as close to him as possible. She called her time as First Lady, the happiest period of her life, and entertained often and lavishly.

The obverse of the Julia Grant First Spouse Gold Coin features a portrait by Donna Weaver. The inscriptions include "Julia Grant", "In God We Trust", "Liberty", "2011", "18th", and "1869-1877".

A scene of the future President and First Lady horseback riding at White Haven is pictured on the reverse. The image was designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Charles L. Vickers. The surrounding inscriptions include "United States of America", "E Pluribus Unum", "$10", "1/2 oz." and ".9999 fine gold".

In general issues of the series have a maximum authorized mintage established by the United States Mint. Coins remain available for sale for approximately one year or until the maximum mintage has been sold. Specific details of this release have not yet been announced.

Coin Specifications

Designer: Donna Weaver (obverse), Michael Gaudioso (reverse)
Sculptor: Richard Masters (obverse), Charles L. Vickers (reverse)
Date: 2011
Mint: West Point (W mint mark)
Weight: 0.5000 troy oz. (15.554 g)
Composition: 0.9999 fine gold
Diameter: 1.041 inches (26.49 mm)
Thickness: 0.074 inches (1.88 mm)

More Information: First Spouse Gold Coins

Coin Information

The Eliza Johnson First Spouse Gold Coin will feature the wife of the 17th President of the United States, Andrew Johnson. This will begin the fifth year of release for the one-half ounce 24 karat gold coins created to honor the nation's First Ladies.

At the age of 16, Eliza McCardle married Andrew Johnson. The two of them set up a tailor shop in a rented house and worked side by side. During this time, Eliza spent time teaching her husband how to do asthmatic and write, as he had never attended school. When her husband became President, she mad few public appearances due to poor health. She appeared publicly at a reception for Queen Emma of Hawaii and at her husband's 60th birthday.

The obverse of the Eliza Johnson Gold Coin features her portrait designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Don Everhart. The inscriptions include "Eliza Johnson", "In God We Trust", "Liberty", the order of the Presidency "17th", dates of the term "1865-1869", and the date of issue.

One of her public appearances is represented on the reverse of the coin. Pictured are three children dancing and a fiddler playing at a children's ball held for Andrew Johnson's 60th birthday. This image was designed by Gary Whitley and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. Besides, the Liberty Subset, this is the first instance that the First Lady does not appear on the reverse design of the coin. Reveres inscriptions include "United States or America", "E Pluribus Unum", and the face value, weight, and purity of the coin.

Coin Specifications

Designer: Joel Iskowitz (obverse), Don Everhart (reverse)
Sculptor: Gary Whitley (obverse), Phebe Hemphill (reverse)
Date: 2011
Mint: West Point (W mint mark)
Weight: 0.5000 troy oz. (15.554 g)
Composition: 0.9999 fine gold
Diameter: 1.041 inches (26.49 mm)
Thickness: 0.074 inches (1.88 mm)

Gold Coin Information

The United States Mint first released the 2011 American Gold Eagle amidst a record high price for gold and elevated worldwide demand for physical precious metals. The popular 22 karat gold bullion and collector coin offering features the iconic design of Liberty by Augustus Saint Gaudens and a depiction of a family of eagles by Miley Busiek.

The 2011 Gold Eagle bullion coins were first available to the US Mint's authorized purchaser network on January 3, 2011. These bulk bullion dealers are charged with distributing the coins to the public and creating a liquid market for US Mint bullion coins. Initial sales for the one ounce gold coins have been strong, continuing the trend of recent years. At a later date, fractional weight versions of the bullion coin will also be released.

Collectors will have two different versions of the coin to look forward to during the year. The 2011 Proof Gold Eagles will be available for sale on April 21, 2011. Product offerings are expected to include individual one ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, and tenth ounce coins as well as a four coin set. Each coin will be struck at the West Point Mint and carry a high quality proof finish.

On May 5, 2011, the US Mint will release the 2011-W Uncirculated Gold Eagle. This is a collectible uncirculated version of the coin that is struck on specially burnished blanks. The coins also carry the "W" mint mark to further distinguish them from the bullion counterpart. Only one ounce size coins are expected to be available. This issue will mark the continuation of the collector product after a two year gap.

Coin Specifications

Designer: Augustus Saint Gaudens (obverse), Miley Busiek (reverse)
Date: 2011
Mint Mark: none (bullion)
Weight: 1.0909 troy oz (33.930 grams)
Composition: 91.67% gold, 3% silver, 5.33% copper
Diameter: 1.287 inches (32.7 mm)
Thickness: 0.113 inches (2.87 mm)

More Information: Gold Eagles