2011 Buffalo 24-Karat Bullion Gold Coin

The United States Mint began selling 2011 American Buffalo 24-Karat Bullion Gold Coins on March 14, 2011.

As a bullion product, the US Mint does not offer the bullion coins directly to the public but instead sells them to a small network of distributors who then resell the coins for a small premium over the current price of gold. The coins then begin to make their way into the secondary market where investors, coin collectors and others can purchase them.

While collectors order them, their main purpose is as an investment option. The US Mint says the following on its website about the bullion coin:

"American Buffalo Gold Bullion Coins are the first .9999 fine 24-karat gold coins ever struck by the United States Mint. These $50 gold coins are available to members of the public seeking a simple and tangible means to own and invest in 24-karat gold in the form of legal tender coins whose content and purity is guaranteed by the United States Government."

This year’s starting coin sales figures were slower than last year, due likely — at least in part — to the very volatile nature of gold prices in March. Between their release on Monday and through to Friday, the US Mint’s network of distributors ordered 26,000 of the 24-karat bullion pieces. As a comparison, last year’s opening coin sales figures were 48,500 on the first day they were released, April 29. Despite the fact that the 2010 issue was only available between April and September, their 2009 mintage was the second best for the series going back to their start in 2006.

The following articles from sister sites provide more information about the release of the 2011 Buffalo 24-Karat Bullion Gold Coin, with some also highlighting their beginning sales.

The biggest mover was the bullion American Silver Eagles in the most recent coin sales figures from the United States Mint. They made a modest jump of 136,000. Modest best described their growth, since their previous weekly surges were 1.18 million and 1.32 million.

For numismatic products, the 2011 Proof Set was most popular. It is still the newest on the scene, and it jumped another 25,879 in this round to make its new total 279,023.

One ounce bullion Gold Eagles grabbed third place, by leaping 7,500. Their January total rung in at 80,500. For a comparison, they are getting close to their January 2010 level, which was 85,000.

The next biggest movers and shakers were the sets. The 2010 Proof Set rose 3,338, but that was down from 5,378 previously. And the 2010 Silver Proof Set increased 2,711 versus 4,424 in the last round. Climbing another 2,280 was the 2010 Mint Set, and the 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set rounded out the leaders with a gain of 1,189.

The following articles, however, provide detailed insights and analysis about the latest changes.

United States Mint annual bullion coin sales figures in 2010 were record-breaking for American Silver Eagles, weaker for American Gold Eagles and higher for American Buffalo Gold coins.

In total, the US Mint sold 36,917,000 ounces of gold and silver in bullion coins in 2010. It did not produce bullion American Platinum Eagles for a second straight year, so those again came in at zero.

Debuting for the first time in 2010 were the five-ounce America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins. They launched on December 10. By December 23, all 850,000 ounces, or 165,000 of the silver coins had sold out. This included 33,000 of each of the five 2010-dated strikes for the Hot Springs Silver Bullion Coin (Arkansas), the Yellowstone Silver Bullion Coin (Wyoming), the Yosemite Silver Bullion Coin (California), the Grand Canyon Silver Bullion Coin (Arizona) and the Mount Hood Silver Bullion Coin (Oregon).

The biggest US Mint sellers, as typical, were the smaller one-ounce, .999 fine silver coins. Silver Eagle coin sales hit a record 34,662,500 in 2010. The annual figure ranks as the all-time high dating back to the series launch in 1986. Demand in December, however, was terrible when compared to previous 2010 months. Only 1,772,000 were sold, which was the weakest monthly level of the year. That was a bit of a surprise considering the 4.26 million sold in November was the best ever for a month. Such a fall from a new record was not expected.

The following table shows monthly bullion silver coin sales figures for this year:

Silver Eagle Bullion Coin Sales Figures

Gold Eagle coin sales tumbled in December, which has traditionally been one of the best months of the year for the 22 karat gold bullion coins. Buyers grabbed only 60,000 ounces, which was the second lowest level of the year. Up until then, the coins had a streak of three straight monthly increases.

However, American Gold Eagle 2010 annual sales topped 1.2 million ounces, which was enough to make the year the sixth best for the Gold Eagle bullion coins which also debuted in 1986.

The one-ounce size was the annual leader with sales of 1,143,500. The one-tenth ounce size came in second with 39,000 ounces or 390,000 coins. Next was the one-half ounce with 23,000 ounces or 46,000 coins and then the one-quarter ounce with 15,500 ounces or 62,000 coins.

The following table shows monthly bullion gold sales figures for this year:

Finally, the one-ounce American Gold Buffalo finished at 209,000, making 2010 the second best year for the 24 karat gold bullion coins which first launched in 2006. The debut year was the best at 323,000. However, comparing 2010 sales to past years — 2008 and 2009, specifically — is less than fair since they were not always available throughout the last three year. Their sales numbers follow.

2010 Gold Buffalo Bullion Coin Sales Figures

Inaugural sales figures were published this week for the America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins that launched on Friday, December 10, to United States Mint Authorized Purchasers. The coins were originally scheduled to release Monday, December 6, but the Mint pulled the plug in the 11th hour due to complaints from the public about prices.

Authorized Purchasers chose not to buy all 165,000 of the allotted coins on the first day. Instead, they ordered 75,000 of them. Several of the eleven approved purchasers had not made the final call in making a purchase (they had until December 17) and some may choose not to participate in the program, given the new reseller rules the Mint outlined late last week.

These unique 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins weigh five ounces with each composed of .999 fine silver. They are large versions — design-wise — of the five new America the Beautiful Quarters® that hit the streets throughout 2010.

The silver coins honor Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Yosemite National Park in California, Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, and Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon.

Collector uncirculated versions of the 2010 five ounce silver coins will debut during the first quarter of 2011, the US Mint announced in a press release. These coins will have the Philadelphia mint mark (P) and an uncirculated finish. Their mintages coins will be limited too. Only 27,000 of each national site honored this year will be struck.

The following articles provide detailed insights and analysis of the sales figures.

Bullion Gold and Silver Eagle coins rallied again in November 2010. US Mint coin sales figures show demand for Gold Eagles climbed for a third straight month and interest in Silver Eagles jumped for a second month in a row.

Precious metals prices encouraged gold and silver coin purchases. Silver prices soared 14.9 percent in November while gold was up 2.1 percent during the month.

Silver Eagle sales were on fire. Three records were shattered in November. It was the best ever month for the bullion coins, annual sales surged to an all-time high, and the 2010-dated Silver Eagle broke the all-time mintage record.

The final two records will continue to grow with December 2010 still in the picture. As for November 2010 Silver Eagle sales, those came in at 4.26 million which broke the old monthly record of 3.696 million set in December 2008.

The following table shows monthly bullion silver coin sales figures for this year:

As mentioned, Gold Eagle sales in November rose for a third consecutive month. US Mint buyers ordered 112,000 ounces of the 22 karat gold coins. The one ounce size was the most popular by far, followed by the half ounce. In a bit of a surprise, demand for the smallest tenth ounce plunged. They normally lead the smaller fractionals. Just 5,000 coins were purchased as compared to 25,000 in October.

The following table shows monthly bullion gold sales figures for this year:

Year-to-date Gold Eagle bullion coin sales are at 1,160,500 ounces. That is currently the sixth best in annual sales dating back to the series introduction in 1986. Another 19,501 ounces will bring this year to the fifth best.

Combined, the US Mint sold 34,051,000 ounces of bullion Gold and Silver Eagle Coins from January through November.

Top numismatic sellers in the most recent United States Mint coin sales figure report were once again sets and gold coins, but the biggest news was in silver bullion.

Silver Eagle bullion coins bulldozed beyond old records to set new all-time highs. Authorized U.S. Mint Purchasers picked up over one million coins in a week and moved the annual sales total beyond 31 million. The old sales record for the series was nearly 29 million. The latest increases gave 2010 Silver Eagles the all-time mintage record, previously held by the 2009 Silver Eagles.

Sets were big among collectors, and the 2010 Proof Set advanced by 30,183 after rising 38,709 previously. The 2010 Silver Proof Set rose 10,416, the US Mint Set added 8,556, and the 2010-W Proof Gold Eagle Four Coin Set shot ahead 5,233.

Two other popular Proof Gold Eagles were the half-ounce, which grew by 1,695, and the one-tenth ounce, which added 1,622. Proof Buffalos coins were also up, advancing by 1,019.

The following articles, however, provide detailed insights and analysis about the latest changes.

Bullion Gold and Silver Eagle coin sales rallied in October 2010, closing month figures from the United States Mint reveal.

Helping drive demand for the bullion coins were precious metals prices, with gold rising 3.7 percent in October and silver up an impressive 12.6 percent.

Silver Eagle coin sales were most aggressive. U.S. Mint Authorized Purchasers snapped up 3.15 million of them, snapping a string of four monthly declines and making the month the best ever October. It was the fifth time in 2010 that the 3 million milestone had been breached. That used to be a rare occurrence for the .999 fine silver coins which were first introduced in 1986. The level was the fourth best this year, as illustrated in the following sales:

Further, the solid month added to a total that will make 2010 the best year ever for the series.

Gold Eagle coin sales in October 2010 were stronger for the one ounce and one-half ounce sizes, but slightly weaker for the fractional one-quarter ounce and one-tenth ounce sizes. However, total ounces sold came in at 94,000, which marked a second straight month of gains.

As the above table highlights, October 2010 more than doubled August levels and it came in 6,000 ounces ahead of September. However, sales were substantially off the year’s best month, which was May with its 190,000 ounces of 22 karat gold coins sold. Sales were also down from October 2009 when buyers ordered 115,500 ounces.

2009 American Gold Buffalo Bullion Coins were on fire for the short period they were available. The United States Mint released the one-ounce, 24 karat gold coins on Oct. 15. Within five days 71,500 were sold, which represented nearly 42 percent of 2008’s total.

Although the sales pace later cooled compared to the opening numbers, the amount that left US Mint doors in either October or November turned out to be greater than any single month in 2007 or 2008. And by Dec. 4, the Buffalos sold out.

In the end, 200,000 Buffalo gold coins were purchased in 2009, topping 2007 and 2008 sales.

US Mint authorized dealers would have bought more, but no more were to be had.

"The United States Mint has depleted its inventory of 2009 American Buffalo One Ounce Gold Bullion Coins," U.S. Mint Director of Public Affairs Tom Jurkowsky said in announcing their sellout. "No additional inventory will be made available."

The following table shows the monthly and annual sales of the coins since they were first issued:

American Buffalo Bullion Coin Sales Figures: 2006 – 2009

The Coin Sales Figures page Gold American Buffalo Bullion Coin Sales Figures has also been updated. It contains a graphical chart of sales, along with historical information on 2009 events.

Both the obverse and reverse of the American Buffalo Gold are the same basic design that first appeared on the 1913 circulating nickel, commonly known by most as either the "Indian Head Nickel" or the "Buffalo Nickel." This classic coin is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful ever produced by the US Mint and ran until 1938, when it is discontinued in favor of the Thomas Jefferson design.

The obverse has a portrait of a Native American, said to be a composite of three Indian chiefs. Many have claimed to be one of those three models, but only two were ever verified by the artist James Earle Fraser; Cheyenne Chief Two Moons and Lakota Sioux Chief Iron Tail.

The reverse contains an image of an American buffalo, also known as a bison. It is believed by many to be modeled after the creature named "Black Diamond" who lived in the New York City Zoo.

The US Mint sells bullion gold coins for a small amount over the current spot price of gold, but only to authorized purchasers. The authorized purchasers in turn resell the coins to coin dealers, precious metal providers and/or directly to the public.

The US Mint also offers a numismatic or collector American Buffalo Gold Proof Coins. These are sold directly to the public.

For more information, also see the Mint page dedicated to the series at http://usmint.gov/mint_programs/buffalo24k/.

The United States Mint sold more gold bullion coins during the last seven days than the preceding week, the latest figures from the agency reveal. Sales of silver coins were also strong, but down slightly.

US Mint authorized dealers purchased another 31,500 American Gold Eagles and 12,500 more American Gold Buffalo coins from last Monday to today. That compares to the prior respective pick ups of 29,000 and 11,000.

American Silver Eagles advanced 775,000 during the same period, and passed just over 25 million for the year. Last week’s report showed that the silver eagles had climbed by 825,000.

Here are tables containing the most recent US Mint sales figures of bullion coins:

American Eagle Bullion Coin Sales Totals

US Mint Sales of Bullion Eagle Coins

The US Mint sells bullion coins, which are the non collector versions, only to its authorized purchasers who then sell to dealers and/or directly to the public. With that, some give and take and delay should be placed into the equation for judging "today’s demand" for these coins when having only Mint numbers at hand.

To keep up to date with the latest sales, see:

• Gold Eagle Sales Figures
• Silver Eagle Sales Figures
• Gold Buffalo Sales Figures

More than two million American Silver Eagles were sold to US Mint authorized dealers within the last two weeks, pulling their 2009 sales above 23 million and now over 24 million.

The latest seven day figures have cooled slightly, but still rank as one of the better weeks of the year. 825,000 more left US Mint doors compared to the home run 1,314,000 figure from last week’s bullion report.

If the pace can be maintained, silver eagles would reach 30 million this year, breaking last year’s annual tally by some 10 million.

American Buffalo Gold coin sales were weaker by nearly one third. 11,000 more were sold versus the prior 30,000. The new 2009 total is at 127,500 — an impressive number given they were released only on Oct. 15 and then when considering 172,000 were sold in all of 2008.

Finally, demand for American Gold Eagles is still strong after coming of their 5th best October ever. 11,000 more were added in the last seven days.

Here are tables containing the most recent US Mint sales figures of bullion coins:

American Eagle Bullion Coin Sales Totals

US Mint Sales of Bullion Eagle Coins

The US Mint sells bullion coins, which are the non collector versions, only to its authorized purchasers who then sell to dealers and/or directly to the public. With that, some give and take and delay should be placed into the equation for judging "today’s demand" for these coins when having only Mint numbers at hand.

To keep up to date with the latest sales, see:

• Gold Eagle Bullion Coin Sales Figures
• Silver Eagle Bullion Coin Sales Figures
• Gold Buffalo Bullion Coin Sales Figures