Earlier today, Dec. 26, 2013, the United States Mint reduced numismatic coin prices by an amount equal to $50 for every ounce of gold or platinum they contained. Such changes, when needed, usually happen on a Wednesday but the U.S. Mint was closed yesterday for Christmas. These pricing changes are the last of 2013.
Reductions were triggered as the weekly London gold fix average dropped to within $1,150 to $1,199.99 and the weekly London palladium fix average slipped to within $1,300 to $1,349.99 an ounce. The two precious metals have been pounded this year with gold poised for an annual loss of about 28% and platinum on track to fall around 13%.
In related news, silver has tumbled by more than 35% since 2012. The U.S. Mint on Monday announced that it was offering discounts on silver coins and sets through its subscription service and also that it would "continue to offer reduced prices on silver products."
Returning to numismatic platinum and gold coins, the next possible round of pricing adjustments could happen in one week from today as the Mint will be closed next Wednesday for the New Year holiday. For prices to change next week, the average in gold or platinum would have to move outside of the earlier stated ranges.
For reference, the following table lists the old and new coin prices:
| US Mint Numismatic Coins | Old Prices | New Prices |
| 2012 & 2013 W Proof American Eagle Platinum Coins (1 oz) | $1,750.00 | $1,700.00 |
| 2013 Proof 5-Star Generals $5 Gold Commemorative Coin | $405.45 | $393.30 |
| 2012 & 2013 Proof First Spouse Gold Coins | $815.00 | $790.00 |
| 2012 & 2013 Uncirculated First Spouse Gold Coin | $795.00 | $770.00 |
| 2013-W Proof American Eagle Gold Coin (1 oz) | $1,560.00 | $1,510.00 |
| 2013-W Proof American Eagle Gold Coin (1/2 oz) | $795.00 | $770.00 |
| 2013-W Proof American Eagle Gold Coin (1/4 oz) | $410.00 | $397.50 |
| 2013-W Proof American Eagle Gold Coin (1/10 oz) | $175.00 | $170.00 |
| 2013-W Proof Gold Eagle Four-Coin Set | $2,890.00 | $2,797.50 |
A number of the coins above will go off sale at noon Eastern Time on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013. Some of the Mint’s last chance products include the 2013-W Proof 5-Star Generals Gold Commemorative Coin, the seven 2012 First Spouse Gold Coins and the 2012-W Proof American Platinum Eagle.
The above products may be ordered online at www.usmint.gov/catalog.
