US Mint to Resume Selling 2009 Silver Eagle Coins

The United States Mint on Friday said it would again offer 2009 Silver Eagle Bullion Coins. The silver coins were halted last week as a result of enormous demand which depleted the US Mint’s inventory.

"On Monday, December 7, 2009, the United States Mint will resume taking orders for 2009-dated American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins," said U.S. Mint Director of Public Affairs Tom Jurkowsky.

However, unlike before, the Mint will allocate the amounts sold between authorized dealers. "These coins will be allocated among the Authorized Purchasers via the United States Mint standard allocation process," he added.

Investors and collectors alike have been purchasing the 2009 coins in droves. By October, the Silver Eagles recorded an all-time high when nearly 21 million were sold for the year. That total surpassed the prior 2008 record of 19.58 million. It was a significant barrier crossed considering the series was launched back in 1986.

The following table shows how eagles have been doing in 2009:

2009 Sales of American Silver Eagle Bullion Coins

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June
1,900,000	2,125,000	3,132,000	2,518,000	1,904,500	2,245,000

July	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
2,810,000	2,130,000	1,703,000	2,939,000	2,586,500	0

 

To date, the United States Mint has sold 25,993,000 of the 2009-dated coins.

The fierce demand resulted in a shortage of silver coin blanks, which precipitated the collector proof 2009 Eagle cancellation — also the first time that has happened since 1986. (For a related story, read Rep. Peters Seeks 2009 Proof Silver Eagles.)

Despite a 28 cent drop in London silver prices on Friday, the metal is still up a staggering $8.04, or 74.5% for the year after a closing price of $10.79 on Dec. 31, 2008. Demand for the coins does not look like it will end any time soon.

In related bullion news on the gold side of the picture, the Mint also on Friday announced more suspensions and forthcoming allocation of Gold Eagles, as well as the conclusion of 2009 Buffalo gold coins — all the result of shortages in bullion coin blanks.

About the United States Mint

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage.  Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.