The proof and uncirculated versions of the American Eagle Gold and Silver coins will not be available this year from the US Mint according to a statement they released yesterday. As you may recall, sales of these coins were suspended back in March before they were even offered to the public.
"Unprecedented Demand" was the reason the Mint gave for both the suspension in March as well as its continuation now. All available 22-karat gold and silver bullion blanks are being directed towards the production of the bullion Eagles, leaving none for the collectors proof and uncirculated coins.
By law, the Mint must produce the Gold and Silver Eagle bullion coins to meet public demand. As of this point, they have been unable to procure enough blanks to also produce the proof and uncirculated Eagles.
Unlike several other world mints (Royal Canadian Mint and the Perth Mint of Australia to name a couple), the US Mint does not produce its own bullion blanks. Instead, they purchase them from outside sources, leaving them vulnerable to market factors and the suppliers ability to ramp up production to meet the Mint's needs.
As the proof and uncirculated Eagles are usually included with some collector's coin sets, those were also put on the chopping block. Among them the 2009 United States Mint Annual Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set and the American Eagle Gold Proof 4-coin set.
The Gold Eagles are usually struck in one ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce sizes while the Silver Eagle is only made in a one ounce coin.
The bullion versions of these coins are still available from the Mint's "authorized purchasers" which in turn then make them available to the public. These bullion coins will be the only gold and silver Eagles available this year, so collectors may want to consider them in place of their normal Eagle proof and uncirculated purchases.
Of interest, the Mint will be producing the 2009 one-ounce American Buffalo Proof Gold Coins and one-ounce American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins yet this year giving avid coin collectors something to look forward to in the way of precious metal coins.
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US $85.00
For more information, also read 2009 Silver Eagle Coins Cancelled. Learn about other coins available from the US Mint this year on the World Mint Coins page 2009 US Coins.
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