The Coin Collecting Den

Yesterday the Mint announced sales of 19,468 American Buffalo Gold Proof coins through November 1, nearly equaling the entire 2008 production of 19,591 in one week of sales. No limits are in place for production or orders of the Buffalo coin, so it seems likely 2009 could surpass the 58,998 sales in 2007 for second highest mintage since the 246,267 coins sold in 2006, the first year they were offered.

The Mint also announced the 2009 US Virgin Islands First Day Coin Cover will be available for purchase Tuesday, November 10. The US Virgin Islands quarter is the last in the series of D.C. and the 5 US territories released this year. The First Day Cover will be limited to 20,000 units.

The Mint today announced that all gold and silver American Eagle proof and uncirculated coins are canceled for 2009. They also announced the cancellation of the American Eagle platinum bullion coins for 2009.

The cancellation means the following collector coins and sets will not be produced in 2009:

• 1 0unce American Eagle silver proof coin
• 1 ounce American Eagle silver uncirculated coin
• 2009 US Mint uncirculated dollar coin set
• American Eagle gold proof coins (1 ounce, 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10 ounce)
• American Eagle gold proof 4 coin set
• 1 0unce American Eagle uncirculated coin

The reason for the cancellations was, “The unprecedented demand for American Eagle gold and silver bullion coins,” which the Mint is required by law to produce “in quantities sufficient to meet public demand.” Since the public demands all the gold and silver coins the Mint can stamp, no blanks are left for us, the collectors. One more reason to hope for economic recovery to pick up steam, so investors will turn back toward other options and quit hogging all the precious metals!

The Mint did throw a small bone to the numismatically minded however, as they announced a one-ounce American Buffalo Gold Proof coin and one-ounce American Eagle Platinum Proof coin for 2009. The American Buffalo coin is tentatively scheduled for an October 29 release, with the American Eagle Platinum coin scheduled for December 3.