April 16, 2024

Silver Investment Demand

February 3, 2009 by 3 Comments

In a previous post, I reviewed the amount of silver bullion sold by the United States Mint during 2008. With this post, I will take a longer term look at silver demand, which highlights the absolute explosion in demand which has occurred in recent years.

The supporting data for the charts included with this post comes from a new section of Gold and Silver Blog which collects the US Mint Silver Bullion Sales data since the inception of the program in 1986. You can visit the page to find the monthly sales figures for any date from 1986 to present. The section also calculates the approximate silver bullion value of each period’s sales based on the average monthly price of silver.

Silver Bullion Sales in Ounces

Here’s a chart summarizing the total ounces of silver bullion sold by the US Mint each year since 1986. (Click on the chart for a larger version.)

During 2008, the US Mint sold 19,583,500 ounces of silver through its bullion program. As explored previously, this marks an all time high for the program. It represents an increase of more than 98% from the prior year, and an increase of 92% from the previous all time high reached in 2002.

One important thing to note when considering the magnitude of the increase for 2008 is that the number of ounces sold could have been much greater. The US Mint suspended silver bullion sales during February before resuming sales on a rationed basis. When the rationing first began, one dealer claimed that he could have sold 500,000 ounces of silver per week, but was only allocated 100,000 ounces.

2008 Silver Bullion Sales in Dollars

Here’s a second chart which illustrates the explosion in demand for silver in even more dramatic fashion. The chart shows the approximate dollar value of silver bullion sold by the US Mint each year. As mentioned, this was calculated based on monthly silver bullion sales and the average monthly price of silver. (Click on the chart for a larger version.)

Silver Bullion Sales Value Chart

During 2008, The US Mint recorded silver bullion sales of approximately $286,451,715. This marks an all time high and an increase of 114% from the prior year, which was also the prior all time high.

The magnitude of the increase is more pronounced when compared to silver bullion sales from earlier years of the program. Throughout the majority of the 1990’s, the US Mint was selling less than $30 million worth of silver each year. The year for the lowest value of silver bullion sold was 1996 with $17,434,050. During 2008, the US Mint recorded monthly sales exceeding this level for ten out of twelve months.

Silver Bullion Sales and the Price of Silver

But what about the price of silver amidst this explosion in demand?

Here’s a third chart which plots the value of US Mint silver bullion sales from the last chart, together with the average annual price of silver for each year. (Click on the chart for a larger version.)

Silver bullion sales increased from a low of $17,434,050 to last year’s high of $286,451,715 representing an increase of 1,543%. The average annual price of silver increased from a low of $3.95 per ounce to last year’s high of $14.99 representing an increase of 203%. While this is a respectable gain, it pales in comparison to the increase in demand.

Everyone has been waiting for the disconnect between the demand for silver and the price of silver to resolve itself. Will it finally happen in 2009?
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US Mint Raises Premiums on Silver Eagle Bullion Coins (Again)

January 27, 2009 by 4 Comments

Today, the United States Mint published notification that they would be raising the premiums charged for American Silver Eagle bullion coins. This refers to the premium above the price of silver at which the US Mint sells the bullion coins to Authorized Purchasers. The premium will increase from $1.40 per coin to $1.50 per coin. The increase will be effective from February 9, 2009.

The US Mint cited the recent price increase for “raw materials silver” as the reason for the increase. Less than four months ago on October 14, 2008, the US Mint had raised premiums from $1.25 per coin to $1.40 per coin. At that time they had cited “increases in the cost of acquiring silver blanks.”

Silver Eagle bullion coins sold by the US Mint continue to be subject to rationing. This “allocation program” has been in place since April 2008 as the US Mint’s solution to the ongoing overwhelming demand for silver. I am sure most would prefer to pay even higher premiums for Silver Eagles if they were allowed to buy the coins in unrestricted quantities.

The full notification of the current premium increase as published in the Federal Register is included below.

[Federal Register: January 27, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 16)]
[Notices]
[Page 4830]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27ja09-87]

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

United States Mint

Notification of United States Mint Silver Eagle Bullion Coin Premium Increase

ACTION: Notification of United States Mint Silver Eagle Bullion Coin Premium Increase.

SUMMARY: The United States Mint is increasing the premium charged to Authorized Purchasers for American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins, a program authorized under 31 U.S.C. 5112(e). Because of the recent price increase for the premium for raw materials silver, the United States Mint will increase the premium charged to Authorized Purchasers for American Eagle Silver Bullion Coins, from $1.40 to $1.50 per coin, for all orders accepted on or after February 9, 2009.

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 5112(e)-(f) & 9701.

Dated: January 22, 2009.
Edmund C. Moy,
Director, United States Mint

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Silver Availability, CFTF Silver Investigation, Morgan Stanley Gold Forecast

January 26, 2009 by Leave a Comment

As gold closes above the $900 level in US Dollars and reaches new all time highs in the euro, British pound, and Canadian dollar, let’s take a look at some recent gold, silver, and precious metals related stories that are worth reading.

Real Silver Availability

Examining the remarkably small amount of silver bullion actually available in the world, and the even smaller amount that’s available for sale.

Gold ETF inventory at new all-time high

Another day, another new all time high for GLD tonnes in the trust. This is the sixth new all time high in the last eight trading days.

Silver investigation: Stakes are enormous

An interview with former directors of the Division of Enforcement at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission which shed some light on the ongoing CFTF investigation of the silver futures market.

2009 American Gold, Silver, Platinum Eagles Still Missing

The US Mint’s entire slate of collectible 2009 American Eagle and 2009 American Buffalo products are missing. Will the US Mint forego production of these gold, silver, and platinum numismatic products? (Note: this article discusses numismatic products, not the bullion products, some of which are also missing.)

Gold to Gain Through 2012, Morgan Stanley Forecasts

I poked a little bit of fun about Morgan Stanley’s previous forecast that gold would reach $1,000 in 2012. Gold’s recent strength has apparently emboldened them to up their forecast to $1,075, still in 2012.

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Actions of the US Mint Discourage Gold Ownership

January 21, 2009 by 16 Comments

Over the past several months, the United States Mint has announced a series of actions and policy changes that make it more difficult for the average individual to buy gold. There have always been plausible or semi-plausible explanations, but the consequence of each action has been to limit or discourage gold ownership.

The recent actions of the United States Mint in relation to gold are presented below. I have also included the US Mint’s explanation for each situation, taken from official memorandums or press releases.

August 2008: The US Mint suspends sales of Gold Eagle bullion coins. Sales resume two weeks later on a rationed basis.

On August 14, 2008, the US Mint announced that they were suspending sales of American Gold Eagle bullion coins. The suspension was in place until August 25, 2008, when sales resumed under an allocation program. The program divides available gold coins into two pools. The first pool is divided equally among all authorized bullion purchasers. The second pool is allocated based on past sales performance.

When gold coin rationing (termed “allocation”) was introduced, it was presented as a temporary measure. More than four months later, gold coin rationing continues. There has been no indication when authorized bullion purchasers will be able to order unrestricted quantities of gold bullion coins.

US Mint explanation:

“The unprecedented demand for American Eagle gold one-ounce bullion coins necessitates our allocating these coins among the authorized purchasers on a weekly basis until we are able to meet demand.”

September 2008: The US Mint suspends sales of Gold Buffalo bullion coins. Sales resume more than one month later, but only to clear remaining inventory.

On September 25, 2008, the US Mint announced the sales suspension of 24 karat American Gold Buffalo bullion coins. Sales did not resume until November 2, 2008 when the US Mint was able to offer only its remaining limited inventory on an allocated basis.

US Mint explanation:

“Demand has exceeded supply for American Buffalo 24-Karat Gold One-Ounce Bullion Coins, and our inventories have been depleted. We are, therefore, temporarily suspending sales of these coins.”

October 6, 2008: The US Mint announces that production will be halted for all but one gold bullion coin option.

Production was immediately halted for one-half ounce and one-quarter ounce American Gold Eagle bullion coins. Production of one tenth-ounce gold bullion coins was halted following depletion of the remaining blank supplies. Production of one ounce Gold Buffalo bullion coins was also halted following depletion of the remaining blank supplies.

These coins represent the US Mint’s only fractional gold bullion coin offerings and the US Mint’s only 24 karat gold bullion offering. The production halt seemed to be a temporary measure that would impact 2008 dated coins. The production halt has continued into 2009. There has been no indication when production will resume.

US Mint explanation:

“The United States Mint has worked diligently to attempt to meet demand, however, blank supplies are very limited and it is necessary for the United States Mint to focus remaining bullion production primarily on American Eagle Gold One Ounce and Silver One Ounce Coins.”

November 10, 2008: The US Mint announces the discontinuation of numerous gold and platinum numismatic products.

The discontinuation of 22 different gold and platinum numismatic products was included as a broader measure to refocus the US Mint’s line of products for coin collectors. Discontinued gold coin products included fractional uncirculated Gold Buffalo coins, one ounce uncirculated Gold Buffalo coins, fractional proof Gold Buffalo coins, and fractional uncirculated Gold Eagle coins.

Although the US Mint has constantly referred to the “unprecedented demand” for gold, they deemed their gold numismatic products to be “unpopular.” Following the discontinuation announcement, sales of the 2008-dated versions of the discontinued coins surged and all numismatic Gold Buffalo and platinum coin offerings sold out in less than a month.

US Mint explanation:

“We are responding to the collector community which has spoken loudly and clearly. Customers have told us there are just too many products.  We agree, and it’s time the United States Mint trims down and concentrates on the products our customers love most.”

November 24, 2008: The US Mint announces the delayed release of all but one 2009 gold bullion coin option.

This delayed release served to prolong the previously announced production halts for fractional gold bullion coins and the 24 karat Gold Buffalo bullion coins. As noted previously, the production halt continues with no indication of when it might end.

The single 2009 gold bullion offering from the US Mint continues to be subject to rationing. As noted previously, there has been no indication of when the rationing will end.

US Mint statement:

“The quantities of blanks that we have been able to acquire from our suppliers continue to be very limited, while demand for bullion coins remains high. As a result, it is necessary for the United States Mint to delay the launch of other bullion coins until later in 2009. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed as additional information becomes available.”

January 6, 2009: The US Mint establishes a new pricing policy for gold and platinum numismatic products.

The new US Mint pricing policy adjusts the prices for gold and platinum numismatic products as often as weekly based on the average London AM Fix gold price. The prices for coins are based on a published table which seems to impute higher premiums than the old pricing system.

In the past, prices were established at the start of sales and remained fixed unless there was a significant move in the price of the underlying precious metal. At times gold numismatic products could be purchased for premiums as low as 10%. Under the new policy, prices are adjusted weekly to preserve permanently high premiums. Current premiums run 30% or more depending on the product.

US Mint explanation:

“Transparency, agility, and customer service are the catalysts for our new pricing method. The volatile precious metals market prompted our customers to suggest that we re-vamp our process, and we listened.”

Conclusion?

The series of incremental changes outlined above has resulted in the following situation:

  • Production was halted for all of the US Mint’s fractional gold bullion and 24 karat gold bullion offerings several months ago. There has been no indication when production might resume.
  • The only 2009 gold bullion coin available from the US Mint is the one ounce American Gold Eagle. Sales of this single bullion coin offering remain subject to rationing.
  • The US Mint’s gold numismatic offerings for 2009 have been significantly reduced from the prior year. The remaining product offerings will be priced at prohibitively high premiums under a newly established pricing policy.

Whether or not it was the US Mint’s intention, every significant action they have taken since August has either limited gold availability, eliminated gold product options, or increased the cost of acquiring gold. Has it all just been a consequence of surging global demand for gold, supply chain mismanagement, and bad timing for policy decisions? Or is there something else going on here?

Thank you to APMEX for confirming the status of the US Mint’s 2009 gold bullion coins for this post.

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2008 US Mint Gold, Silver & Platinum Bullion Coin Sales

January 13, 2009 by 3 Comments

With the dust somewhat settled for the prior year, we now have some complete US Mint sales data on sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion coins. As expected, the numbers show some large percentage increases from prior year sales. In particular silver bullion sales reached an all time record high with sales of nearly 20 million ounces.

While the bullion coin sales figures go a long way to highlighting the immense demand for physical precious metals experienced in 2008, it’s only part of the picture. These strong numbers were achieved amidst periodic suspensions and rationing programs which impacted all bullion coin programs at one point or another during the year.

Sales of silver bullion coins were suspended on February 4, 2008 and again on March 19. Sales were resumed more than one month later on April 21, but on a rationed basis. Similarly, gold bullion coin sales were suspended and then resumed on a rationed basis. And finally, sales of some platinum and gold coins were ended prematurely, prior to the end of the year.

2008 US Mint Gold Bullion Coin Sales

Coins Ounces
1 oz Gold Eagle 794,000 794,000
1/2 oz Gold Eagle 50,000 25,000
1/4 oz Gold Eagle 58,000 14,500
1/10 oz Gold Eagle 270,000 27,000
1 oz Gold Buffalo 171,500 171,500
Total 1,343,500 1,032,000

The US Mint sells a 22 karat gold coin known as the American Gold Eagle. This coin is sold as a one ounce coin as well as in 1/4 ounce, 1/2 ounce and 1/10 ounce fractional denominations. The US Mint also sells a 24 karat one ounce gold coin known as the American Gold Buffalo. Gold Eagles have been sold since 1986 and Gold Buffaloes have been sold since 2006.

Across all options, the US Mint sold 1,032,000 ounces of gold through its bullion coin programs in 2008. This represented a jump of more than 78% from last year’s combined total of 577,000 ounces of gold. Notably, the total for 2008 is still far from the all time high of 2,055,500 ounces reached in 1999.

2008 US Mint Silver Bullion Coin Sales

Coins Ounces
1 oz. Silver Eagle 19,583,500 19,583,500

The US Mint sells a one ounce silver bullion coin known as the American Silver Eagle. These bullion coins have been sold since 1986.

For 2008, the US Mint reached an all time record for ounces of silver sold through their bullion program at 19,583,500 ounces. This represents a 98% increase from last year’s sales of 9,887,000 ounces of silver. The previous record for ounces of silver sold through the US Mint’s bullion coin program was set in 2002 with 10,475,500.

2008 US Mint Platinum Bullion Coin Sales

Coins Ounces
1 oz. Platinum Eagle 20,800 20,800
1/2 oz. Platinum Eagle 12,800 6,400
1/4 oz. Platinum Eagle 20,800 5,200
1/10 oz. Platinum Eagle 13,000 1,300
Total 67,400 33,700

The US Mint sells 99.95% platinum bullion coins known as the American Platinum Eagle. These coins are available in one ounce as well as 1/2 ounce, 1/4 ounce, and 1/10 ounce fractional sizes. The platinum bullion coins have been offered since 1997.

During 2008, the US Mint sold 33,700 ounces of platinum through their bullion program. This was up 272% from last year’s platinum bullion coin sales of 9,050 ounces. The all time record for platinum bullion sales by the US Mint was 175,650. This record was set in 1998 when platinum was significantly cheaper.

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US Mint Unveils New Pricing Policy

January 7, 2009 by Leave a Comment

The US Mint unveiled a new pricing policy which covers all Gold and Platinum Numismatic Products. This pricing policy does not refer to any of the bullion offerings, but only the numismatic products which the US Mint sells to coin collectors. The new policy represents a significant shift in the handling of collectible coins with precious metals content.

The US Mint cites “fluctuating gold and platinum commodity costs” as the reason for the change.

In the past, the US Mint has announced prices for products one to two weeks prior to release. The pricing was presumably based on the market price of the precious metals content plus production costs and a profit margin. This initial price could only be adjusted via publication of new pricing in the Federal Register. Since this process takes time, price changes were preceded by sometimes lengthy suspension periods. Even during the most volatile years for precious metals, prices were changed only three to four times at most.

The US Mint’s new pricing policy will allow them to change prices as frequently as once per week. Price levels would be set based on the average weekly price of gold based on London Fix prices for the preceding week, Thursday to Wednesday. If the average price moves across certain thresholds, prices will be adjusted up or down on Thursday at 10:00 AM ET. The new policy will go into effect January 12, 2009.

This is a significant change of policy that will make numismatic products seem more like bullion products, albeit with very high premiums. It will be interesting to see how this new policy sits with coin collectors and whether there will be any kinks in the implementation.

Below is the text of the US Mint’s notification published in the Federal Register.

[Federal Register: January 6, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 3)]
[Notices]
[Page 493-496]

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

United States Mint

Notification of New Pricing Methodology for Numismatic Products
Containing Platinum and Gold Coins

SUMMARY: The United States Mint is implementing a new pricing methodology for its numismatic products containing platinum and gold coins to mitigate the effect that fluctuating gold and platinum commodity costs has on the pricing of these products. The new pricing methodology is based primarily on the London Fix weekly average (average of the London Fix prices covering the previous Thursday a.m. Fix through the Wednesday a.m. Fix) platinum and gold prices, which reflect the market value of the platinum and gold bullion that these products contain. As required by law, the prices of these products also must be sufficient to recover all other costs incurred by the United States Mint, such as the cost of minting, marketing, and distributing such products (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, and promotional and overhead expenses). This pricing methodology will allow the United States Mint to change the prices of these products as often as weekly so they better reflect the costs of platinum and gold on the open markets.

DATES: The new pricing methodology, as further explained in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section, will go into effect on January 12, 2008.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the authority that 31 U.S.C. 5111(a)(3), 5112(i), 5112(k), 5112(o), and 5112(q) grant the Secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue gold and platinum coins and to prepare and distribute numismatic items, the United States Mint sells to the public numismatic products containing American Eagle Gold and Platinum Coins, American Buffalo Gold Coins, First Spouse Gold Coins, and the 2009 United States Mint Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 9701 31 U.S.C. 9701(b)(2)(B), the United States Mint is changing the prices of these coins to reflect a new methodology in pricing.

Effective January 12, 2009, the United States Mint will commence selling numismatic products containing American Eagle Gold and Platinum Coins, American Buffalo Gold Coins, First Spouse Gold Coins, and the 2009 United States Mint Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin at prices established by using the new pricing methodology. Specifically, each Wednesday, the United States Mint will apply the average London Fix for platinum and gold (average of the London Fix prices covering the previous Thursday A.M. Fix through the Wednesday A.M. Fix) to the below pricing schedules. Price adjustments as a result of this process, if any, will be effective at 10 a.m. E.S.T. on the immediately following Thursday.

The pricing charts included with the release follow. Click for large version.


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Can the US Mint Handle Demand for the Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle?

December 4, 2008 by 2 Comments

For much of the year, the United States Mint has been touting the upcoming recreation of what they have called the “nation’s most beautiful coin.” Augustus Saint Gaudens’ design for the Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagle will be recreated as a one ounce 24 karat gold coin available for sale to the public.

The Mint’s intention to recreate the coin was first announced this March, followed by an official unveiling in July, and a well publicized first striking in November. The US Mint intends to strike the coins throughout 2009 in quantities necessary to meet public demand. So far, coin collectors have responded enthusiastically to the upcoming offering. With the recent main stream attention on gold, there will likely be interest from the broader public as well. Is the United States Mint prepared to handle the potentially significant demand for the new gold coin?

This year the US Mint, as well as most other world mints, have had continuous problems procuring sufficient gold blanks to meet the incredible demand for bullion coins. The US Mint in particular has been forced to suspend sales of some gold bullion offerings and continues to distribute coins though an allocation program since they are unable to meet the full demand.

Next year the US Mint will be at odds with itself as it struggles to meet growing demand for their regular bullion coins and new demand for a potentially hot collectible coin.

To estimate how much demand the new coin might generate, we can look at the US Mint’s 2006 release of the 24 karat American Buffalo Gold coin. Similar to next year’s offering, the coin design was taken from an old collector favorite, in this case the Buffalo Nickel. The coins were offered as one ounce bullion coins and one ounce collector proof coins. Sales of the coins began in late June 2006. In just over six months, the US Mint sold approximately 337,000 bullion coins and 252,000 proof coins for a total of 589,000 ounces worth of gold. Sales of the regular 2006 American Gold Eagle bullion coins totaled only 261,000 ounces.

Even if only the collectible versions of coins are considered, this represents a 50% increase in demand for gold coins. Since the US Mint has been unable to meet the full demand for regular gold bullion coins this year, the prospects that they can handle the additional demand for a popular collectible gold coin on top of already robust gold bullion coin demand seem remote.

Another aspect to consider is that the Ultra High Relief Gold Double Eagles are struck on specialized blanks. The coin will have a thickness of 4 millimeters which is more than 50% thicker than most one ounce gold bullion coins. So far the US Mint has been procuring these specialized blanks from Gold Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Western Australian Government, who operate the competing Perth Mint. Notably, the Perth Mint recently announced that they would be forced to cease taking orders for precious metals until January 2009 due to “unprecedented demand.” So, not only will the US Mint need to procure a large amount highly specialized blanks from an already tight market, they will need to procure them from a competitor struggling to meet their own demand.

Taken together these factors do not bode well for a smooth release of this “recreated materpiece.” I envision a frustrating series back orders, delays, and eventual order limitations for the new coin. The US Mint intended the Ultra High Relief Gold Coin to be “a prestigous example of the highest level of artistic excellence in American coin design.” Instead they might just end up with another gold related headache.

Filed Under: Gold, Perth Mint, Platinum, US Mint Tagged With: , , ,

US Mint 2008 Gold and Silver Dwindle, 2009 Releases Delayed

November 26, 2008 by 5 Comments

The United States Mint recently released a memo to authorized bullion purchasers regarding the remaining 2008-dated bullion coins and the upcoming 2009-dated bullion coins.

The only 2008 dated bullion coins still being sold by the US Mint are the 1 ounce American Gold Eagle and 1 ounce American Silver Eagle. Final allocations for these coins will take place December 15, 2008. All of the fractional Gold Eagles, Gold Buffaloes, and Platinum Eagles are no longer available.

Sales of 2009-dated 1 ounce Gold Eagles and 1 ounce Silver Eagles will begin on December 29, 2008. Availability will be subject to allocation. The remaining 2009-dated bullion coins will be delayed. The US Mint cites “very limited” supplies of blanks from suppliers amidst high demand.

The full US Mint memo is reproduced below:

November 24, 2008

MEMORANDUM TO ALL AMERICAN EAGLE AND AMERICAN BUFFALO BULLION COIN AUTHORIZED PURCHASERS

SUBJECT: 2008 and 2009-Dated Bullion Coin Products

With the exception of the American Eagle Gold One-Ounce and American Eagle Silver One-Ounce Bullion Coins, all 2008-dated bullion coins have been depleted. Weekly allocations will continue for these two products.

The final 2008 allocation for these coins will be provided on Monday, December 15, 2008.

There will be no bullion allocations during the week of December 22, 2008.

2009-dated American Eagle Gold One-Ounce and American Eagle Silver One-Ounce Bullion Coins will be made available for sale via the standard allocation process on Monday, December 29, for pricing December 30 and order pick-up on Friday, January 2, 2009.

Allocations for these products will continue until the United States Mint is able to meet demand.

The quantities of blanks that we have been able to acquire from our suppliers continue to be very limited, while demand for bullion coins remains high. As a result, it is necessary for the United States Mint to delay the launch of other bullion coins until later in 2009. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed as additional information becomes available.

Thank you for your patience and your continued support of the United States Mint Bullion Coin Program.

Filed Under: Gold, Silver, US Mint Tagged With: , , , ,

Gold and Silver News & Headlines for November 13

November 13, 2008 by Leave a Comment

Gold ends nearly $14 lower in broad metals pullback

Maybe gold hasn’t quite decoupled from stock markets and other commodities yet. Quote from the article: “The trade now, if you believe the market is due to fall further, is surprisingly short gold.”

Munich Musings

Has a “black market” developed for precious metals? It’s not as ridiculous as it sounds.

From the article, “A black market occurs when the State mandates a price for a commodity that cannot be produced, bought, sold or had for that price – usually a ploy to make state-reported economic figures look better. The inexorable result is that the price of the commodity will rise beyond the official price to the point where producer and consumer are willing to do business in the shade.”

The Real Story

More details emerge on the huge increase in the silver short positions by two major US banks just as the price collapsed.

December deliveries at the Comex

I keep hearing more and more about the looming default at the Comex for gold and silver deliveries next month.

Nearly All Gold and Platinum Products No Longer Available

The US Mint has abruptly halted sales of nearly all collectible gold and platinum coins. The coins will supposedly go back on sale later this week at lower prices. Let’s hope there’s not something else going on…

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US Mint Makes Drastic Cuts to Collector Gold & Platinum Coin Offerings

November 10, 2008 by 1 Comment

Today the United States Mint announced some sweeping cuts to the number of products that they will offer to coin collectors. The deepest cuts take place in the US Mint’s offerings of collectible versions of gold and platinum bullion coins.

Most people know about the US Mint’s bullion coin offerings. American Eagle coins composed of gold, silver, and platinum are sold to the public through a network of authorized bullion dealers. In recent years, American Buffalo Gold coins were added to the lineup. These coins are bought and sold primarily as a means of investing in precious metals.

Since 2006, the US Mint has also offered so-called “collectible” versions of the popular bullion coins for sale directly to the public. The coins have been available in fractional denominations, four coin sets, and one ounce sizes. They are differentiated from the “non-collectible” bullion versions by carrying a “W” mint mark. The coins are also struck on specially burnished blanks and come in custom Mint packaging.  In addition, the US Mint has offered proof versions of bullion coins, which have been sold to collectors for many years.

The US Mint’s discontinued products (via Mint News Blog) will include:

  • American Buffalo Uncirculated Gold Coins – These are the collectible versions offered by the US Mint. All fractional denominations, 4 coin set, and the one ounce coin will be discontinued.
  • American Buffalo Proof Gold Coins – The fractional 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz coins and 4 coin set will be discontinued.
  • American Platinum Eagle Uncirculated Coins – These are the collectible versions offered by the US Mint. All fractional denominations, 4 coin set, and the one ounce coin will be discontinued.
  • American Platinum Eagle Proof Coins – The fractional 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz coins and 4 coin set will be discontinued.
  • American Gold Eagle Uncirculated Coins – These are the collectible versions offered by the US Mint. The fractional 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz coins and 4 coin set will be discontinued.

Why are these products being discontinued?

The US Mint would likely cite low sales figures for the offerings, but that doesn’t get to the root of the problem. Basically, the US Mint has had a disastrous time selling the products over the past few years. This was due in large part to the way the US Mint was required to set prices combined with the extreme fluctuations of precious metals prices over the past few years.

The US Mint is required to publish prices for upcoming collectible coin products in the Federal Register. This process seems to take about 30 days. As a result, every time these pseudo-bullion coins went on sale, prices were based on precious metals values from up to 30 days ago.  Any time the US Mint wanted to change prices, coin sales had to be suspended for at least 30 days while the publication process took place.

Throughout 2006 and 2007, sales of these “collectible” bullion coins were suspended numerous times as precious metals prices climbed. Premiums above the precious metal value were in constant flux, since coin prices were fixed and precious metals changed. Typically, premiums would be high at the start of sales, but then lower as precious metals prices climbed. If you timed your purchases right, you could buy the coins for around the same price as the regular bullion coins.

During 2008, the “collectible” bullion offerings were priced early in the year when precious metals prices were at their highs. As precious metals prices dropped from their peaks, coin prices remained the same, making premiums extraordinarily high. For example, the 2008-W 1 oz. Uncirculated American Gold Eagle is currently priced at $1,119.95 (see US Mint website).  Compare this to the gold value of $742. This premium is ridiculously high for a product slightly better than a bullion coin.

The only prices that were actually lowered this year were for the platinum products. Following nearly two months of suspension, platinum coins returned with prices approximately halved. Even after the reduction, prices still reflected huge premiums. The 2008-W 1 oz. Uncirculed Platinum Eagle is priced at $1,214.95 (see US Mint website). Compare this to the platinum value of $837. Another ridiculously high premium.

On the upside, this represents the end of a bad experiment in precious metals products from the US Mint. On the downside, this represents one less way for people to acquire precious metals.

Filed Under: Gold, Platinum Tagged With: , ,