It’s out with the old and in with the new. Earlier today, Nov. 24, the United States Mint announced that it would stop producing 2015 American Eagle silver bullion coins by Dec. 11 and that it would begin taking orders for the first 2016-dated issues on Jan. 11.
2015 American Silver Eagles will claim an annual sales record. That should happen by early next week, even as the U.S. Mint limits their sales.
The bureau has rationed sales of bullion American Silver Eagles for most of this year as demand has exceeded supply. The U.S. Mint has the production capability to produce many more of the one-one, .999 fine silver coins but, like other world mints, it cannot always acquire enough silver planchets.
New Annual Record
2015 Silver Eagles sales through Monday, Nov. 23, reached 43,663,000 coins. Another 343,001 must sell to break last year’s record of 44,006,000 coins. The new record should hit close to the 47 million mark based on typical weekly allocation levels and recent sales.
Sales Update: The new annual record was established on Nov. 30, 2015 when sales reached 44,666,500 coins.
The United States Mint does not sell American Eagle silver bullion coins directly to the public. They are sold through a network of authorized purchasers. AP’s consist of major coin and precious metals dealers, brokerage companies, and other participating financial intermediaries.
The U.S. Mint on Tuesday sent its authorized purchasers the following memo:
"This is to inform you that the United States Mint will continue to produce 2015-dated American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins through the week of December 7, 2015. Accordingly, we anticipate our last American Eagle Silver Bullion Coin allocation of the year to be on Monday, December 14, 2015. The final allocation is expected to be standard size so please plan accordingly.
The U.S. Mint will begin taking orders for the 2016 American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins on Monday, January 11, 2016."
AP’s must pay the U.S. Mint $2 more than the spot value of each coin they buy.
