Release dates have been announced for the silver dollars and $5 gold coins commemorating Mark Twain’s life and legacy.
There are two set of dates to remember. The gold coins launch on Thursday, Jan. 14, while sales of the silver dollars kick off almost two weeks later on Wednesday, Jan 27.
Mark Twain Commemorative Coins will be available in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated for a combined total of four issues — two $5 gold pieces and two silver dollars. (See images of all four coins.) They would normally go on sale at the same time, and that was the originally plan. It changed, according to U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White, when officials reassessed the launch and wanted more silver dollars on hand for immediate shipping. The Mint does not have target levels to announce at this writing.
Silver dollar introductory pricing is $44.95 for the uncirculated and $45.95 for the proof. Each weighs 26.73 grams and is composed of 90% silver (and 10% copper) for about 0.773 troy ounces of silver.
Prices of the Mark Twain gold coins can change up to weekly depending on the latest weekly average of LBMA gold. Weighing 8.359 grams, each has a composition of 90% gold (and 10% alloy) for about 0.242 troy ounces of gold. Their introductory prices will be known on Jan. 13, one day before their release. The mostly likely price points are based on two gold ranges:
| Gold Average | $5 Proof Gold Coin | $5 Unc. Gold Coin |
|---|---|---|
| $1,050.00 to $1,099.99 | $364.00 | $359.00 |
| $1,100.00 to $1,149.99 | $376.15 | $371.15 |
Prices include surcharge amounts of $35 for each gold piece and $10 for each silver dollar. The collected funds will benefit museums and educational program dedicated to Mark Twain.
When released, the commemoratives will be sold online at catalog.usmint.gov/coins/commemoratives.
