This week’s 2012-W Proof American Silver Eagle launch will be followed by next week’s April 19 scheduled product release of companion 2012-W Proof American Gold Eagle coins. These collector 2012 American Gold Eagles will be offered in four different weights or denominations and within a four-coin set.

While demand dictates mintages for the proof Silver Eagle, the United States Mint publishes mintage and product limits for each of its proof Gold Eagles. With the exception of the one-ounce size, stated maximum mintages for the 2011-dated coins were well over their realized sales. Based on these sales figures, the United States Mint has pared mintages for the 2012 coins.

In breaking out changes from last year to this year:

• The one-ounce weight ($50) had its mintage reduced from 70,000 to 60,000, although the amount allotted for individual product sales remains at 30,000

• Mintages for the one-half ounce weight ($25) went from 55,000 to 40,000, with individual product limit sales falling from 15,000 to 10,000

• The quarter-ounce weight ($10) had its mintage cut from 56,000 to 42,000 while its allotted individual product limit went from 16,000 to 12,000

• Mintages for the tenth-half ounce weight ($5) went from 70,000 to 55,000, with individual product limit sales dropping from 30,000 to 25,000

• Finally, the four-coin set, which includes one of each Proof American Gold Eagle, had its product limit trimmed from 40,000 to 30,000

Product limits and mintage limits have proven confusing to some in the general public. A mintage limit is the absolute maximum number of a coin produced. For example, the one-ounce Gold Eagle’s maximum mintage is 60,000 — only that amount will be made. This coin is sold in two different products, however, one by itself and one contained within the four-coin set. This is where product limits come into play. The single sold one-ounce Gold Eagle has a product limit of 30,000 and the four-coin set has a product limit of 30,000.

Starting prices for this year’s coins will not be available until Wednesday, April 18, as the U.S. Mint adjusts its numismatic gold and platinum coin prices once every week depending on precious metals market prices.