2009 American Silver Eagle Bullion coins have sold out, the United States Mint announced late Tuesday morning. The remaining inventory was depleted earlier in the day, leaving Silver Eagles on the sidelines until Jan. 19.
The US Mint reconfirmed today that the 19th is still the scheduled launch time for 2010 American Eagle gold and silver one ounce bullion coins.
Unprecedented demand delayed the new year dated coins, which are usually minted in late November, sold to Mint authorized purchasers in late December and made available to an eagerly awaiting public in early January.
The enormous demand was also responsible for the cancellations of the 2009-dated proof an uncirculated versions, which extremely upset the collecting community.
December was a huge month for the bullion eagles, which capped a year in which a record-breaking 28,766,500 were sold. The latest available tally for January Mint sales show another 367,500 were scooped up, bringing the total 2009-dated Silver Eagle bullion coins sold to just over 29 million at 29,134,000 — by far the most ever for the silver coin since it was launched in 1986.
The 2009 figures would have been even higher had the Mint not run low of silver coin blanks, forcing several suspensions and then rationing throughout the year when they were available.
Annual American Silver Eagle Bullion Coin Sales: 1986-2009
Prior to last year, 2008 held the annual record for most coins sold, with 19,583,500.
The US Mint sells bullion coins for a small amount over the current spot price of the precious metal within them, but only to authorized purchasers. They in turn resell the coins to coin dealers, precious metal providers and/or directly to the public.
