US Mint Sales: American Gold Eagles and Gold Commemorative Coins Shine

According to the latest round of United States Mint sales figures, silver coins were in higher demand but it was gold products that outperformed, including American Gold Eagles and gold commemorative coins.

Gold has soared with several strings of record highs. It was the only precious metal to advance last week. These conditions translated well for United States Mint gold coins — both bullion and collector issues, as their sales pace quickened.

In specifics, all United States Mint gold commemorative coins came in with healthier week-over-week gains while companion commemorative silver dollars and 50c clads weakened. The Mint’s top commemorative seller was the proof Medal of Honor $5 gold piece, surging 1,123 versus the previous 89.

All sizes of American Gold Eagles improved as well. Investment versions enjoyed the highest unit sales. One-ounce bullion American Gold Eagles jumped 37,000, more than tripling their previous 7-day pick-up of 11,500. For collector proof American Gold Eagles, and although unit increases were much more modest, gains ranged higher by a quarter to more than two-thirds. The 1/4-ounce performed best, advancing 380 against 117.

Although all eyes are on the yellow metal with a bullish tint, the next sales round for gold coins may be challenged. United States Mint collector Gold Eagles, the proof Gold Buffalo, and each of the First Spouse Gold Coins now have significantly bigger sales barriers. The Mint halted gold coin sales for about 24 hours this week after gold prices blasted off. Subtract one day of availability. Additionally, each of them was tagged with price increases that ranged from $10 to $185. Their prices have never been higher.

While sales were slower than the previous week, demand was highest for the Mint’s less expensive silver products. A silver coin, silver medal or silver set appeared in four of the six top numismatic seller slots:

1. 2011 Proof American Silver Eagles (+22,093)
2. 2011-W 9/11 Medals (+13,568)
3. 2011-P 9/11 Medals (+8,744)
4. 2011 Proof Sets (+4,750)
5. Ulysses Grant $1 (P) Rolls (+3,170)
6. Mount Hood 5 Oz Silver Coin (+2,745)

The latest US Mint sales figures for bullion and collector coins and sets are available in the following tables:

US Mint Sales: Bullion Coins

*The as of date for US Mint sales of 1-ounce and under bullion coins is Wednesday, August 10, 2011. For reference, 53,000 of the 2010-dated 1-ounce Gold Eagles remained for sale earlier this year and are included in the overall totals. The bullion sales figures also include 469,500 of the 2010-dated Silver Eagle bullion coins sold in January.

**The US Mint does not typically provide weekly per coin sales totals for the Olympic, Vicksburg and Chickasaw America the Beautiful 5-ounce Silver Bullion Coins. The individuals totals listed above are as of Tuesday, August 2.

The following are the latest tallies for US Mint collector products:

US Mint Sales: Numismatic Products

*NLA – No Longer Available.

The collector coin sales figures above have an "as of date" of August 8, 2011. Visit the United States Mint website at http://www.usmint.gov/ for more information on any of the above coins.