A Preview and Summary of 2011 U.S. Coins
The year 2011 will bring the continuation of several ongoing United States Mint coin series featuring rotating designs. These range from the new series of circulating quarter dollars to numismatic coins struck in gold and platinum. A potential focus for some collectors may be the two commemorative coin programs that will include a total of five different issues in uncirculated and proof versions.
The America the Beautiful Quarters program will enter its second year, with five new designs representing Gettysburg National Military Park, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Thus far, production levels for the new series have been at a fraction of the levels experienced for the prior 50 State Quarters Program.
Presidential Dollars will enter their fifth year of release, along with the accompanying series of First Spouse Gold Coins. This year’s circulating $1 coins will honor the Presidents Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, and James Garfield. The one half ounce 24 karat gold coins will honor their wives Eliza Johnson, Julia Grant, Lucy Hayes, and Lucretia Garfield.
The Native American Dollar series will feature its third reverse design to commemorate the accomplishments and contributions of Native Americans. The hands of Massasoit of the Great Wampanoag Nation and Governor John Carver of the settlers at Plymouth Bay are shown exchanging the ceremonial peace pipe. This represents the Wampanoag Treaty of 1621, the first written treaty between Native Americans and European settlers.
The Medal of Honor and its recipients will be honored on $5 gold and silver dollar commemorative coins. The designs feature the original medal as well as the three modern versions. A second commemorative coin program features the United States Army, with $5 gold coins, silver dollars, and clad half dollars. Each program includes maximum authorized mintages and will remain available for sale throughout the year unless an earlier sell out occurs.
The United States Mint is expected to offer the same line up of bullion coins during the year. This will include the one ounce American Silver Eagle, five ounce America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins, American Gold Eagle, and American Gold Buffalo. Numismatic versions for each of the programs are also expected to be produced and released throughout the year.
For the past two years, American Platinum Eagle has only been issued in collectors versions. It is uncertain whether this will be the case once again. The collector version will continue a six year design series presenting the core concepts of American Democracy. The design of the 2011 Proof Platinum Eagle will present the concept “To Insure Domestic Tranquility.”
More information on 2011 Coins:
