The United States Mint on Tuesday released its latest weekly sales report. The standout numbers in it are the opening figures for 2010 Proof American Gold Eagles. Demand for them was high, better than in 2008 when the proofs were last issued.
The US Mint released five products featuring the eagles on Thursday, October 7, 2010. Coin collectors purchased a total of nearly 58.7 thousand coins during the first four days (up through Sunday), as shown in the following table:
2010 Proof Gold Eagle Sales Figures | ||
---|---|---|
Total Sold* | ||
1 ounce | 13,980 | |
1/2 ounce | 2,173 | |
1/4 ounce | 2,780 | |
1/10 ounce | 6,945 | |
4 Coin Proof Set | 7,147 |
*For always up to date numbers, reference the gold sales figures charts on this site.
The biggest seller, the one ounce 2010 Proof Gold Eagle, is more than half through its authorized single mintage of 25,000. Although if they sell out, buyers could still get one through the 4-coin set which has a product limit of 39,000 (making 64,000 the max mintage limit for the one ouncers).
The interest level for this year’s proof offerings is supported by the fact that the 2009’s were canceled. That happened because all of the 22-karat coin blanks were dedicated to bullion 2009 Gold Eagles which were being purchased in huge quantities — gold bullion coin sales soared in 2009 to levels not seen since the Y2K scare.
Looking at coin sales recorded during the first six days that the 2008 proof coins were available highlights how much stronger opening demand is for this year’s eagles.
2008 Proof Gold Eagles Figures | ||
---|---|---|
Total Sold | ||
1 ounce | 3,120 | |
1/2 ounce | 598 | |
1/4 ounce | 518 | |
1/10 ounce | 1,347 | |
4 Coin Proof Set | 1,391 |
Recent record gold prices do not seem to be hurting matters for 2010 proofs either, despite their much higher price tags as a result. Another comparison highlights how much more the proof coins are this year as compared to 2008.
Proof Gold Eagle Prices | |||
---|---|---|---|
Year 2008 | Year 2010* | ||
1 ounce | $1,199.95 | $1,585.00 | |
1/2 ounce | $609.95 | $806.00 | |
1/4 ounce | $329.95 | $415.50 | |
1/10 ounce | $149.95 | $180.50 | |
4 Coin Proof Set | $2,199.95 | $2,938.00 |
*Numismatic gold coin prices change change weekly depending on trends of gold.
Of course, how coins race out of the gate does not necessary indicate how they will travel through and to the end of their availability. But it is certainly a factor in the equation. Another week of sales data will be telling.
The American Gold Eagle obverse features the historic Standing Liberty design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Miley Busiek’s equally superb reverse scene shows a family of eagles with one in flight. It is meant to symbolize family tradition and unity.
For more information on the 2010 proof coins or to order, visit the U.S. Mint website at http://www.usmint.gov/.