US Mint Sales: Fractional Gold Eagles Gain, Proof Sets Near 400K

United States Mint numismatic coin sales edged lower last week, with the recently released 2010 Proof Set and 2010 Mint Set dropping the most but still registering the highest unit sales. U.S. Mint bullion coins continue to sail.

In a mini-milestone, the 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set topped 150,000 following a weekly increase of 5,230. They have a ways to go before passing last year’s silver quarters sets which are still for sale. Those gained 2,018 to 288,124.

The US Mint 2010 Proof Sets are approaching a milestone of their own. They advanced 34,551 and are 14,433 away from hitting 400,000. Not bad considering they were released in the slower summer season, exactly three weeks ago.

First Spouse Gold Coins held their own. They rose 307 as a group against 310 previously. The most recently issued proof Jane Pierce gold piece was the weekly leader, climbing 77 after a gain of 59. Uncirculated Margaret Taylor coins took second place with their pick up of 57 versus 37.

The 2010 Buffalo Gold proof coin actually improved, gaining 692 compared to the prior 556. At the current pace, the 24 karat gold coins will easily top 25,000 this week. That, however, is just half of the last reported sales (49,388) of the 2009 issue.

Last Wednesday, August 4, the Boy Scouts of American Centennial Silver Dollars officially sold out. As expected, their numbers have not changed, with the proof and uncirculated splits at 245,000 and 105,000. The remaining 2010 commemorative, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar, advanced to 220,721. That is 63.1 percent of their allotted maximum.

2010 Fractional American Gold Eagles popped into the sales charts for the first time in August. As has often been the case when there is action, the less expensive 1/10 oz size jumped the most, gaining 15,000 for the month and reaching 325,000 for the year. The 1/2 oz size rose by 1,000 to 34,000. The 1/4 oz size remains frozen. Based on current rates, it appears August will be a slower month for the smaller coins, like July sales, as compared to the numbers put up in their June launch month.

Bullion American Silver Eagles continue to remain the most active, with seven-day sales at 592,000 compared to 604,500. Their pace will need to pick up if August is going to challenge July gains.

The following sales tables provide a breakout of the most recent U.S. Mint coin sales figures.

US Mint Collector Coin Sales

(Data compare previous to current Mint sales reports)

*NLA – No Longer Available.

The collector coin sales figures above have an "as of date" of August 8, 2010.