The opening demand for 2010 Proof American Gold Eagles soared past prior-year issues, according to the latest round of gold coin sales figures from the United States Mint.
Anticipation spurred one-ounce Gold Eagle sales the most. Buyers snapped up nearly one-third of their authorized mintage in only four days. All sizes burst past the debuting performance of the 2008 issues, which was the last year the 22-karat gold pieces were available.
The five 2010-W Proof Gold Eagle products were released Thursday, October 7, 2010. The U.S. Mint’s proof gold inventory dropped 58,631 by Sunday, with collectors handing over $47.3+ million to get them. The following table shows how many remain:
| 2010 Proof Gold Eagle Opening Sales | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRICE | 4-DAY SALES |
PRODUCT LIMIT |
MINTAGE LIMIT |
||
| 1 oz | $1,585.00 | 13,980 | 25,000 | 64,000 | |
| 1/2 oz | $806.00 | 2,173 | 15,000 | 54,000 | |
| 1/4 oz | $415.50 | 2,780 | 16,000 | 55,000 | |
| 1/10 oz | $180.50 | 6,945 | 27,000 | 66,000 | |
| 4-Coin Set | $2,938.00 | 7,147 | 39,000 | N/A | |
While a comparison to the opening sales figures for the 2009 Proof Gold Eagles is impossible since they were canceled, debuting numbers for the 2008 proofs were cooler despite their less expensive prices and two extra days added in before their sales were first reported by the Mint (debuting 6-day sales figures cover from Tuesday, March 4, 2008, to Sunday, March 9, 2008).
| 2008 Proof Gold Eagle Sales: Opening and Final | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PRICE | 6-DAY OPENING SALES |
PRODUCT LIMIT |
FINAL SALES FIGURES |
|
| 1 oz | $1,199.95 | 3,120 | 25,000 | 17,720 |
| 1/2 oz | $609.95 | 598 | 15,000 | 10,085 |
| 1/4 oz | $329.95 | 518 | 16,000 | 6,360 |
| 1/10 oz | $149.95 | 1,347 | 30,000 | 15,599 |
| 4-Coin Set | $2,199.95 | 1,691 | 35,000 | 12,517 |
2010 Proof Gold Eagle price points look to be a factor in future sales. The Mint can change gold coin prices depending on the prevailing cost of the precious metal. The current London Fix gold range used to set their current prices is $1,300 to $1,349.99 an ounce. Since the eagles were released, levels remained under the $1,350 threshold for all but one fixing. However, gold prices as of this writing are soaring to fresh all-time highs, with current spot at $1,370.50. If prices remain in this area (above $1,350) for a week, the Mint will increase the Gold Eagles by $50 for the one ounce, $25 for the half ounce, $12.50 for the quarter ounce, $5 for the tenth ounce and $92.50 for the four-coin set.
2010 Proof American Gold Eagle coins may be ordered online through the:
U.S. Mint American Eagle Product Page
Orders may also be placed using the Mint’s toll free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
what is the difference between mintage limit and product limit?
The mintage limit is the absolute top amount of coins that will be produced for a given coin. For example, the U.S. Mint will manufacture a maximum of 64,000 of the 1 oz proof Gold Eagles — no more. Product limits are relevant due to the 4-coin set. In the same example, while up to 64,000 of the 1 oz proofs may be produced, no more than 25,000 will get packaged and sold by itself. The other 39,000 are reserved for inclusion in the 4-coin set product.