The first release of gold by the United States Mint since 1933 happened in 1980, but the groundwork began in the late 1970s. Congress members advocated for a commemorative arts medal series after the US Department of the Treasury announced plans to sell parts of the national gold stockpile. The 1/2 oz US Mint Commemorative Arts Gold Medal, available in random years, is now available at BullionMax.

Medal Highlights:

• Arrives inside protective plastic flips!
• Struck from 1980 to 1984!
• Contains 1/2 oz of actual gold content.
• The obverse features one of five prominent American artists.
• The reverse design reflects each individual artist’s passion.
• Available from various years! Note: you may receive multiples of the same design if you order multiple medals from this listing.

The US Mint hadn’t issued gold coins or products since 1933 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt stopped gold coin production and recalled existing circulation coins to be melted. This move aimed to stabilize the US gold bullion supply during the Great Depression.

In 1978, the Treasury released gold from the national stockpile, and some Congress members pushed for a gold medal series to promote American gold amidst rising demand and international embargoes on South African Gold Krugerrands. These medals weren’t considered coins and had no face value, each featuring 1/2 Troy oz of .900 pure gold.

The obverse of the 1/2 oz US Mint Commemorative Arts Gold Medals showcases the bust of one of five different American artists, covering various genres of art in US culture. Notable figures depicted include singer Marian Anderson, author Willa Cather, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptor Alexander Calder, and author John Steinbeck.

The reverse side of these gold medals features different designs depending on the artist on the obverse. For example, Marian Anderson’s 1980 design includes cupped hands holding a globe, while John Steinbeck’s 1984 design features a rural farm setting.

The United States Mint issued all the commemorative arts gold medals at the West Point Mint. Mintage numbers varied from 35,000 for the John Steinbeck issue to 1 million for the Marian Anderson design.

We encourage BullionMax customers to reach out with questions about 1/2 oz of gold at 800-729-3202. You can also connect with us online through live chat and email.