The fourth 2012-dated America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin depicting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park launched with a much lower premium than any of the three previous issues.
Released September 24, 2012 at a price of $204.95, the 99.9% fine silver coin had a melt value of $168.65 based on today’s London price of silver at $33.73 an ounce. That marks a $36.30 premium above its melt value.
In contrast, since silver was significantly cheaper when the three previous coins were released and yet their prices were the same $204.95, their debuting premiums were much higher:
- $63.70 for the 2012-P El Yunque Five Ounce Silver Coin
- $68.75 for the 2012-P Chaco Culture Five Ounce Silver Coin
- $64.70 for the 2012-P Acadia Five Ounce Silver Coin
The wide difference would seem to suggest that the Hawaii Volcanoes silver coin could have stronger debut sales. While the coin is a numismatic product from the U.S. Mint, collectors still closely watch how much value they are getting for their buck.
On the flip side, perhaps handicapping the coin’s starting performance could be the sudden weakening in silver prices. This morning the precious metal declined by almost $1. If silver weakens further in the coming days, some collectors may stay on the sidelines until prices stabilize.
Still, even if that is the case, the coin’s design may help pull in early buyers. The depiction of the east rift of Kilauea Volcano on the silver coin’s reverse has been getting positive reviews, and that alone could drive up sales.
Currently, the United States Mint is offering nine America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins — all from last year and the first four of five for this year. Each is priced at $204.95 and may be purchased at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.
Debut sales figures from the U.S. Mint for the Hawaii Volcanoes silver coin should be available by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week (October 2 or 3). Stay tuned to this site for details on how starting sales went.
