2012-W Proof Silver Eagle Coin Sells Out

Without advance warning to collectors, the United States Mint has indicated that the 2012-W Proof Silver Eagle coin has sold out as of today, November 13, 2012.

Visitors to the U.S. Mint’s website will find that a bold red "Sold Out" appears on the product page of the silver coin.

The West Point struck Silver Eagle went on sale April 12, 2012 and is one of the most popular numismatic products offered by the U.S. Mint. Sales generally range in the thousands per week.

According to the Mint, the most recent sales stats shows 819,217 of the silver coins have been ordered since release. That number is likely to change, however, as final orders and returns are taken into account.

The sell-out, while likely unanticipated by many, is not a complete surprise based on past Mint actions. Last year’s 2011-W Proof Silver Eagle coin was also abruptly pulled from the Mint’s shelves when a sell-out was indicated on the 22nd of November. Traditionally, however, the Silver Eagles had been available through much of December and were purchased by many as holiday gifts.

A mintage cap on this year’s release was not publicly announced. Given recent numbers, the final mintage will likely end around 825,000. Stay tuned for this week’s sales article for the latest figure.

The proof Silver Eagle coin originally debuted in 1986 along with the bullion counterpart. Both silver coins are composed from one ounce of .999 fine silver and feature Adolph A Weinman’s "Walking Liberty" design on the obverse. The reverse contains a heraldic eagle with shield design by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver John Mercanti.