American Gold Eagle bullion coins are not on the same fiery pace seen in 2009 or during the Y2K “scare” in 1999, but the latest United States Mint sales figures show they are on track to record their third best ever March.
With the first two weeks of this month now history, US Mint sales of the gold bullion coins have reached 39,500. Buyers will need to scoop up another 48,501 during the next 2 1/2 weeks to pass March 1998 and earn the third best March ranking.
Any slack in sales however, and the month will likely fall to fourth place — only 16,501 more are needed to attain that spot.
U.S. Mint Gold Eagle Coin Sales in March (1987 – 2010*)
*Sales though to March 12, 2010.
Volatile gold prices have made it an interesting year for American Eagles, with buyers trying to ride the surges and dips. There is no better example than last week when gold plunged $33.50 in New York and $28.75 in London. The fall brought gold prices back toward their 2010 starting level. Gold ended 2009 at $1,104.00 an ounce. The Gold London Fix came in at $1,106.25 an ounce on Friday, which is a 0.2 percent increase for the year.
The yellow metal has been fixed as low as $1,052.25 and as high as $1,158.00, as the following gold graph from Kitco Metals Inc. highlights:
London Fix Gold Prices: January 1, 2010 to March 12, 2010
Despite the swings, Gold Eagle sales in January and February were relatively even, with 85,000 sold in the first month and 84,000 in the second. Year-to-date sales now stand at 208,500. The following chart shows how the eagles have performed during the first three months of the year since 1987.
U.S. Mint Gold Eagle Coin Sales: January – March (1987 – 2010*)
*Sales though to March 12, 2010.
The Mint does not sell bullion eagles directly to the public, but instead to a small group of authorized purchasers who in turn resell them to precious metal providers, investors, dealers and collectors. These coins do not have a mint mark, unlike their numismatic counterparts.
The Gold Eagle series was launched in October 1986. For more information about this year’s bullion coin, to include specifications and design details, visit the coin information page: 2010 Gold Eagle Coin.
March weird month when coming to buying bullion gold and silver coins. When price of gold and silver rises, investors will buy more coins. Since Gold and Silver were used back in stone age, and remain the one of the best investment together with Platinum and Palladium!