2012-W Proof Platinum Eagle Coin Sales Debut at 2,461

Opening demand for the 2012-W Proof Platinum Eagle coin was lukewarm when contrasted against past starts in the series, according to the latest sales figures from the United States Mint.

Sales of the 2012-W Proof Platinum Eagle Coin started at 2,461

Buyers purchased 2,461 of the 99.95% fine platinum coins between their release on August 9, 2012 and August 13, 2012. At $1,692 a pop, that represents a dollar total of $4,164,012.

Last year’s proof Platinum Eagle coin scored debuting sales of nearly $14.2 million, although each was priced $400 higher.

Despite its numismatic value, pressuring sales was the price of platinum. While other precious metals advanced last week, the precious metal logged a weekly loss of 1.0%. Since there is no rush to purchase the coin with a stated mintage of 15,000, collectors may be staying on the sideline in hopes of an eventual Platinum Eagle price reduction.

Here is a picture of comparing unit sales debuts since 2009:

2009-2012 Proof American Platinum Eagle Sales Debut

	Debut Price	Debut Sales Period	Debut Sales	Units Sold Per Day	Final Sales / Mintages
2012 Proof Platinum Eagle Coin	$1,692	5 Days	2,461	492	? / 15,000
2011 Proof Platinum Eagle Coin	$2,092	4 Days	6,786	1,697	? / 15,000*
2010 Proof Platinum Eagle Coin	$1,892	6 Days	8,268	1,378	10,000 / 10,000
2009 Proof Platinum Eagle	$1,792	4 Days	7,207	1,802	8,000 / 8,000

*Last year’s proof remains available and has current sales of 14,836 for a weekly increase of 76. It went on sale May 26, 2011 at a starting price of $2,092. As platinum prices have fallen since, the 2011-dated coin is now priced the same as the 2012 issue.

This year’s coin is the fourth issued within the six-year "Preamble Series." Its reverse design features the theme "To Provide for the Common Defence." It may be ordered directly from the United States Mint online store http://www.usmint.gov or by calling 1-800-872-6468.