US Mint Sales: Grand Canyon 5 Oz Silver, Commemorative Gold Coins Surge

Collectors sought coins composed of silver more than gold, according to the latest United States Mint sales figures.

In terms of numismatic weekly improvements, 48 U.S. Mint products outperformed their previous increases. Gold coins were just as hot as silver ones in that regard. A string of record high gold prices boosted the sales pace of several gold and commemorative coins despite a series of suspensions.

As precious metals soared last week, the United States Mint first suspended sales of numismatic gold coins and then stopped selling commemorative gold coins. The numismatic American Gold Eagles, First Spouse Gold Coins, and the Gold Buffalo returned 24 hours later while commemorative gold coins honoring the U.S. Army and Medal of Honor remain unavailable to this day. Although gold coin sales were obstructed, their weekly numbers rose sharply — especially compared against July when gold prices were less volatile. The following table provides several examples:

United States Mint silver products were highest in demand, as is often the case. Collectors love silver coins, which cost significantly less than the gold counterparts. A silver coin, silver medal or silver set appeared in five of the top seven numismatic sellers:

1. 2011 Proof American Silver Eagles (+35,271)
2. 2011-W 9/11 Medals (+11,857)
3. 2011-P 9/11 Medals (+5,169)
4. 2011 Proof Sets (+4,959)
5. 2011 Mint Sets (+2,779)
6. 2011 Silver Proof Sets (+2,643)
7. Grand Canyon 5 Oz Silver Coin (+2,045)

Grand Canyon Silver Coin Order Limits Removed, Sales Surge

On August 9, household ordering limits were lifted for the 2010 Grand Canyon National Park 5 Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin. That sparked its higher sales (+2,045) as depicted above in the best seller list. In contrast, its past two weekly increases were 943 and 489. Only 738 remain until the coin sells out.

The Mint’s other five ounce issue, the 2010 Mount Hood silver coin, increased 1,198, taking its total to 18,702. That leaves 8,298 on the table. Its limit of one coin per household is still in effect. The United States Mint has not yet indicated when it will begin offering the collector 2011-dated America the Beautiful Silver Coins.

The latest US Mint sales figures for bullion and collector coins and sets are available in the following tables:

US Mint Sales: Bullion Coins

*The as of date for US Mint sales of 1-ounce and under bullion coins is Wednesday, August 18, 2011. For reference, 53,000 of the 2010-dated 1-ounce Gold Eagles remained for sale earlier this year and are included in the overall totals. The bullion sales figures also include 469,500 of the 2010-dated Silver Eagle bullion coins sold in January.

**The US Mint does not typically provide weekly per coin sales totals for the Olympic, Vicksburg and Chickasaw America the Beautiful 5-ounce Silver Bullion Coins. The individuals totals listed above are as of Tuesday, August 2.

The following are the latest tallies for US Mint collector products:

US Mint Sales: Numismatic Products

*NLA – No Longer Available.

The collector coin sales figures above have an "as of date" of August 15, 2011. Visit the United States Mint website at http://www.usmint.gov/ for more information on any of the above coins.