New 2016-W Proof American Gold Eagles sold quicker out of the gate than any in the series since 2010, the latest figures from the United States Mint show. Starting sales of the collector coins strengthened for a fourth straight year. More impressive, opening sales of this year’s Gold Eagles more than doubled the early results of last year’s issues.
Released on March 17, buyers snapped up a total of 45,673 coins in four days for a combined 21,362.15 ounces. Here’s a table comparing these results from those of the last six years:
| DEBUT SALES (COINS) | DEBUT SALES (OUNCES) | |
| 2016 | 45,673 | 21,362.15 |
| 2015 | 20,655 | 10,007.85 |
| 2014 | 18,309 | 9,301.10 |
| 2013 | 9,370 | 4,480.15 |
| 2012 | 8,369 | 4,234.55 |
| 2011 | 29,353 | 15,902.55 |
| 2010 | 54,466 | 29,677.95 |
In 2010, the proof coins enjoyed an early sales spike because of pent-up demand. The U.S. Mint did not sell them in 2009, diverting their production to bullion Gold Eagles.
Stronger starts in recent years have been supported by less expensive coin prices — triggered by weaker precious metals markets. Another supporting factor for this year was the surge in gold on the day the proof coins launched. The precious metal on March 17 jumped nearly 3% to end just shy of a 13-month high.
American Gold Eagles are sold in 1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz. and 1/10 oz. sizes that correspond to denominations of $50, $25, $10 and $5. The U.S. Mint also offers a set with the four coins together. Here’s a table showing how each of them performed early into their release:
| Debut Sales of 2016-W Proof American Gold Eagles | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEBUT PRICES | DEBUT SALES (UNITS) | DEBUT SALES (OUNCES) | DEBUT SALES (COINS) | DEBUT SALES ($) | |
| 1 oz | $1,560.00 | 6,573 | 6,573 | 13,311 | $10,253,880.00 |
| 1/2 oz | $795.00 | 1,969 | 985 | 8,707 | $1,565,355.00 |
| 1/4 oz | $410.00 | 2,143 | 536 | 8,881 | $878,630.00 |
| 1/10 oz | $175.00 | 8,036 | 804 | 14,774 | $1,406,300.00 |
| 4-Coin Set | $2,890.00 | 6,738 | 12,465.30 | N/A | $19,472,820.00 |
| Totals | 25,459 | 21,362.15 | 45,673 | $33,576,985.00 | |
Here are two larger photos of an obverse and reverse proof $50 Gold Eagle.
Here is a photo of the 1 oz. coin in its presentation case:
