Just released today, May 22, is the U.S. Mint’s 2014-W $50 Uncirculated American Gold Eagle.
These coins feature obverses with Augustus Saint Gauden’s Standing Liberty design as it appeared on $20 Double Eagles minted from 1907 to 1933 and reverses with Miley Busiek’ Family of Eagles design.
Pricing for the uncirculated American Gold Eagle opens at $1,575.00. The price can change weekly, on Wednesdays, since it is based on the U.S. Mint’s policy to link prices of numismatic gold coins to the London Fix weekly average gold price. It’s current price is based on a weekly average of gold that sits with the range of $1,250.00 to $1,299.99 an ounce. This year’s coin starts $150 less than when the 2013-W Gold Eagle debuted on June 6, 2013.
History and Specifications of Uncirculated American Gold Eagle Coins
Uncirculated Gold Eagles debuted in 2006 as another collector version of the American Gold Eagle bullion coin. Both versions are very similar. The uncirculated coin is distinguishable by its ‘W’ mint mark which denotes its production at the U.S. Mint’s facility in West Point. Bullion Gold Eagles have no mintmark, although they also come from West Point.
Along with one-ounce coins, fractional uncirculated Gold Eagles were produced in the early going. Fractionals began with the series in 2006 and lasted until 2008 when the Mint announced a series of portfolio realignments that included the elimination of the smaller coins.
In addition, the one-ounce version was canceled in 2009 as demand for gold coins surged and the Mint focused on striking the more popular bullion Gold Eagles and proof Gold Eagles. The uncirculated coin did not return until 2011, as shown in the mintage chart below.
2006- 2013 Uncirculated American Gold Eagle Mintages
| $50 (1 oz) | $25 (1/2 oz) | $10 (1/4 oz) | $5 (1/10 oz) | |
| 2013-W | 7,293 | N/A | ||
| 2012-W | 5,829 | |||
| 2011-W | 8,729 | |||
| 2010-W | Not Released | |||
| 2009-W | Not Released | |||
| 2008-W | 11,908 | 15,682 | 8,883 | 12,657 |
| 2007-W | 18,606 | 11,455 | 12,766 | 22,501 |
| 2006-W | 45,053 | 15,164 | 15,188 | 20,643 |
As a point of reference, this year’s proof Gold Eagles debuted on April 2 and the bullion 2014 Gold Eagles launched on Jan. 3.
All $50 Gold Eagles are composed of 22-karat gold consisting of 91.67% gold,
3.0% silver, and remaining balance copper. Each features a diameter of 1.287 inches, a thickness of 0.113 inches and a weight of 1.0909 troy ounces, or 33.931 grams. All versions share the same designs.
Where to Order
2014-W $50 Uncirculated American Gold Eagles may be ordered directly from the U.S. Mint online catalog with the product page for American Eagle coins located here. Phone orders are accepted at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
No household limits are in place, meaning consumers can order as many as they like.
Each uncirculated coin is encapsulated in plastic and mounted in a presentation case that is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
