Debut sales for the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollars and the companion 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Defenders of Freedom Set were released on Wednesday by the U.S. Mint. Their sales start was faster than last year’s 2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coins but slower than the opening demand for 2011 U.S. Army Commemorative Coins.
In a bit of a surprise, the sales debut for the collectible Defenders of Freedom Set came in relatively light considering its 50,000 limited production, 100 per household order limit, inclusion of replica dog tags and specialized packaging.
Pricing for the set is $51.95. The set also includes a Proof Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar, which is available separately for $2 less at $49.95. The Uncirculated Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar can be purchased for $44.95. Each of the silver dollars is $5 under what the U.S. Mint charged for last year’s silver commemoratives when they launched.
The 2012 Infantry Silver Dollars and Freedom Set were released February 16, 2012 (Thursday). The debut sales period was through to Monday. In that sense, comparing how this year’s commemoratives performed in their debut to last year’s is far from exacting given the periods varied for each. Additionally, Monday was a U.S. holiday which tends to slow all U.S. Mint product sales. As opening comparisons are still interesting, the following table provides them:
Debut Sales of 2011-2012 Commemorative Coins*
| Commemorative Coins | Type | Debut Sales Period | Debut Sales | Total | Ending Sales |
| 2012 Infantry | $1 Proof | 5 Days | 26,262 | 54,675 (42,484 proof; 12,191 unc.) | TBD |
| Set (Includes Proof) | 16,222 | TBD | |||
| $1 Uncirculated | 12,191 | TBD | |||
| 2011 U.S. Army | $1 Proof | 7 Days | 46,895 | 67,593 | 119,829 |
| $1 Uncirculated | 20,698 | 43,517 | |||
| 2011 Medal of Honor | $1 Proof | 3 Days | 25,156 | 35,502 | 112,850 |
| $1 Uncirculated | 10,346 | 44,769 | |||
*Future figures are available via this site’s Silver Coin Price Guide which offers prices, melt values and the latest sales for current U.S. Mint silver bullion and collector products.
The introductory pricing period for the Infantry Silver Dollars will last until 5:00 PM ET on March 19, 2012. Afterwards, the commemoratives will go up $5 each although the Freedom Set will remain at $51.95. The cost of each product includes a mandated $10 surcharge which will be paid to the National Infantry Foundation to help finance the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Fort Benning, Columbus.
The commemorative coins may be purchased directly from the U.S. Mint website (www.usmint.gov) or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
