Earlier today, the United States Mint began sales of the 2012 Proof American Gold Eagles. These 22 karat gold coins struck in proof format for collectors represent one of the Mint’s most popular annual numismatic offerings.
The obverse of the American Gold Eagle features Augustus Saint Gaudens’ full length figure of Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and an olive branch in her left. The rays of the rising sun can be seen behind as well as the US Capitol building. This design was used for the double eagle minted for circulation from 1907 to 1933. The reverse of the coin features a depiction of a male eagle carrying an olive branch to a nest containing a female eagle and her eaglets. This was designed by Miley Busiek specifically for the series.
The 2012 Proof Gold Eagles are available in one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, and one-tenth ounce sizes. These coins carry legal tender face values of $50, $25, $10, and $5, respectively. The coins are available for sale individually, or as a complete four coin set. Maximum product limits have been established by the United States Mint which result in a maximum mintage limit for each coin.
2012 Proof Gold Eagle Product and Mintage Limits
| Product Limit | Mintage Limit | |
| One ounce | 30,000 | 60,000 |
| Half Ounce | 10,000 | 40,000 |
| Quarter Ounce | 12,000 | 42,000 |
| Tenth Ounce | 25,000 | 55,000 |
| Four Coin Set | 30,000 | N/A |
Pricing for the coins is determined based on the average weekly market price of gold. For the start of sales, the coins are priced based on an average gold price within the $1,650 to $1,699.99 range. The individual coins are priced at $1,935.00 for one ounce, $981.00 for one-half ounce, $503.00 for one-quarter ounce, and $215.50 for one-tenth ounce. The four coin set is priced at $3,585.50. These prices will remain subject to change on a weekly basis, following the average market price of gold.
Orders may be placed with the United States Mint online at http://catalog.usmint.gov
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